Starting Wednesday, August 28, Kalamazoo will host the 2024 Teenage CrossFit Games. The world class teen CrossFit competition known as “The Pit” will bring in 270 athletes from 29 countries for the week. ​

Athletes will represent Australia, South Africa, Argentina, Iceland, and more. The Teenage CrossFit Games is Kalamazoo’s first international sporting event.​

“When we were sought out by CrossFit to organize the 2024 Games for the teens, we realized we were going to need more space so athletes, parents, coaches, sponsors and others can have the best experience possible,” said Stephanie Price, co-founder and director of operations for the Pit Teen Throwdown. “This is simply the best of both worlds, really. The athletes get to be under the lights and the jumbotron and have that arena experience – but also come down to The Pit for a day on the trails and in the sand, slag and water.”​

The competition for the athletes will be at Wings Event Center in Kalamazoo on August 28-29, August 31, and September 1. “Pit Day” will be Friday, August 30, in Three Rivers, for the fifth year of putting athletes under the shadow of the iconic “copper hopper.” ​

The Pit Fitness Ranch, a 65-acre piece of land with woods and water, slag and sand, was previously a gravel pit. It is home to Triple River CrossFit, an affiliate owned by Brock and Autumn Yost, directors of the 2024 Teenage CrossFit Games.​

Athletes, spectators, and fans can visit the event’s website for more information. They can also learn more about the Pit Teen Throwdown, an annual fitness competition exclusive to athletes aged 14-17.​

The Pit Teen competition will take place right before the Teenage CrossFit Games from Wednesday, August 28, through Thursday, August 29, in Kalamazoo and Three Rivers.