6th Annual Pump & Run Raises Funds – and Heart Rates – for United Way
On August 2, 2024, local athletes gathered once again to lift, run, and support a great cause at the 6th Annual Pump & Run in Olean. Founded by Paul Eade, owner of Eade Fitness and a former United Way board member, the event brings the community together in a unique show of strength and speed to benefit the United Way of Cattaraugus & Allegany Counties.
The competition began at Eade Fitness, where participants tackled the bench press based on their age and weight category. Afterward, all participants took off on a one-mile run through downtown Olean, finishing at Four Mile Brewing. The twist? Every bench press rep shaved time off their mile run, making strategy as important as stamina.
The event featured athletes of all ages, from teens to seniors, and even included a spirited Couples Division.
Top finishers included:
Teen Girls (13-15): Melody Schweikart (#24) benched 50 lbs. for 10 reps and ran a 10:58 mile.
Teen Boys (13-15): Michael Ellman (#29) benched 70 lbs. for 40 reps, finishing the mile in 8:34.
Teen Boys (16-17): Sullivan Hoffman (#30) wowed the crowd with 48 reps at 85 lbs. and a 6:18 mile.
Teen Boys (18-19): Gavin Weseman (#99) benched 100 lbs. for 38 reps and ran a 6:40 mile.
Among adult competitors:
Delaney Moore (Women 20–24) lifted 65 lbs. for an impressive 47 reps and completed the mile in 8:07.
Brandy Schweikart (Women 35–39) had 46 reps at 65 lbs. and ran 8:28.
Kate Roth (Women 40–44) logged 27 reps and a 9:15 run.
Tammy Gaines (Women 55–59) powered through 2 reps and a 9:38 finish.
On the men’s side:
Jason Copella (Men 20–24): 31 reps at 125 lbs. and a 6:47 mile.
Mike Chase (Men 30–34): 35 reps and a 7:16 finish.
Omar Malik (Men 35–39): 21 reps and a strong 7:00 mile.
Randy Barnhart (Men 60–64): Put on a show with 69 reps at 95 lbs. and a 7:00 run.
In the Couples Division, Jenna and Joel Wyant (#96) earned first place with a combined 54 reps at 125 lbs. and a mile time of 7:05. Brad Bergstrom and Alex Goodyear (#28) weren’t far behind with 43 reps and a 7:28 run.
Each competitor’s final score was a combination of their reps and run time, showcasing a blend of endurance, power, and determination.
Proceeds from the event support local programs funded by the United Way, helping neighbors across Cattaraugus and Allegany Counties thrive. With high energy, friendly competition, and a community-focused mission, the 2024 Pump & Run proved once again that fitness and philanthropy make a powerful team.
2025 Pump & Run
The 2025 Pump & Run is slated for 5-8 p.m., Friday, August 1. Stay tuned for more information.
