Montevallo to host 6th annual Chief’s Challenge promoting healthy, drug-free living – Shelby County Reporter

By DAVE DOMESCIK | Staff Writer

MONTEVALLO – First responders, educators and local youth will once again go head-to-head in a spirited competition promoting health, fitness and drug-free living as Montevallo hosts the 6th Annual Chief’s Challenge on Tuesday, Oct. 28 at 5:30 p.m. at the Montevallo Football Field.

The annual event, hosted by Impact Montevallo, highlights Red Ribbon Week’s focus on living a healthy, drug-free lifestyle through a series of physically demanding challenges inspired by first responder certification standards.

According to Impact Montevallo Program Director Sarah Hogan Shaw, the Chief’s Challenge began as a way to encourage both physical fitness and positive community engagement.

“The event celebrates living a healthy, drug-free lifestyle while meeting the physical demands that first responders are required to meet during certification,” Shaw said. “It was inspired by former Police Chief Jeremy Littleton, who made a decision to get physically healthy and was encouraging colleagues and friends to join him.”

Since its inception, the Chief’s Challenge has grown steadily each year—both in the number of participants and the crowd that fills the stands. Shaw said that growth has helped create opportunities for youth to build relationships with first responders while learning about the importance of healthy choices.

“Each year the number of participants increases, and the number of fans in the stands increases,” she said. “It’s an opportunity for youth and community members to engage with first responders in a fun way, cheering them on and creating new bonds that could lead to mentorship and even spark interest in first responder careers.”

This year’s event will feature a six-person relay-style competition with six challenges, including 25 sit-ups, 22 push-ups, a Water Brigade, Equipment Carry and a 1.5-mile color run. Each team will race to complete all events as quickly and accurately as possible.

Teams consist of six members and must be affiliated with a school, athletic group or organization. The top three teams will earn money for their organizations, while all participants receive a free event T-shirt. Registration is open through Tuesday, Oct. 14, and groups can sign up online or contact Shaw for details.

The event is free to attend, and community members are encouraged to come out and support the competitors.

“Our first responders, youth and educators need community support,” Shaw said. “They make a huge impact in our community, and this competition is fun to watch. The rivalry between the first responders is always top-notch, and the youth and educators love the bragging rights if they win.”

Spectators can look forward to prize giveaways, plenty of cheering and an opportunity to celebrate Red Ribbon Week’s message in an engaging, family-friendly environment.

“Come on out, have fun, give back to those who give so much, learn something that could save a life and maybe even win a prize for yourself,” Shaw said.

For more information or to register a team, contact Sarah Hogan Shaw at Impactmontevallo@gmail.com or visit the 2025 Chief’s Challenge Registration link.