Gym owner Josh Stevenson said the competition had been “really fantastic … just bringing so many people together for that common goal”.

The competitors and spectators raised $1500, matched by the gym to make $3000.

That will be divided between drought aid group Buy a Bale and mental health group More Than Awareness.

Read also:

“Lots of those competitions can often get serious – people are there to compete, but the day was focused on being together as a community, enjoying the day and raising money for a good cause,” Mr Stevenson said.

Athletes did four workouts that combined gymnastics, weightlifting, running, strength and agility.

Mr Stevenson said there had been “tough workouts and strong competition”.

“It was a really good representation of the field of athletes we have in the area.

“We also had people come in from Nepean down in Sydney, the Sunny Coast up in Qld, Moree, Inverell, Tamworth, Dubbo.”

The winning beginners were Alice Ridley, Tamworth; and Brent Robinson.

The winning intermediate competitors were Kate Wright, Dubbo; and Jono Murphy, Muswellbrook.

The winning advanced competitors were Merrin Star, Canberra; and James Gilmour, Dubbo.

All placegetters received a bag of prizes donated by nationwide fitness brands. 

The charity funds were raised through entry fees, and activities such as raffles, and massages for a donation.

Mr Stevenson said the gym’s Facebook page would soon host an online auction of items donated by high-level CrossFit Games athletes.

The simultaneous workout is planned for September 22.

“We have a specific workout that’s been designed, called Workout for Drought,” Mr Stevenson said.

“CrossFit gyms, or any gym that wants to participate, will do the same workout … do their own fundraising and donate that money ...

“If people want to pool that money, we can – we’ll have an option drive it into the one account, but if they have a specific local charity that’s doing great work, we encourage them to support that.”