Soy City CrossFit to honor Sgt. Timothy Wittmer's legacy with inaugural Rowathon

DECATUR, Ill. (WAND) — The Decatur community will come together July 11 to honor the life and legacy of Sgt. Timothy Wittmer while raising money to support his family through the inaugural Tim Wittmer Rowathon at Soy City CrossFit.

The event was created following Wittmer's recent death after battling brain cancer. Organizers said the fundraiser is designed to celebrate the longtime police sergeant's life while rallying the community around his family, especially his son.

"Soy City CrossFit is hosting a Rowathon fundraiser for Police Sergeant Timothy Wittmer and his family," Soy City CrossFit co-owner Jessica Coleman said. "He just recently lost his battle against brain cancer, so we wanted to support the family."

The event begins with registration and an opening ceremony at 7:45 a.m. on Saturday, July 11, at Soy City CrossFit, 2325 E. Hubbard Ave. The first rowing heat will begin at 8:30 a.m., with activities continuing until approximately 4 p.m.

The centerpiece of the fundraiser is a one-hour rowing competition. Teams of up to four people will work together to row the maximum distance possible in 60 minutes. Only one teammate rows at a time, but teams may switch rowers as often as they like. Up to eight teams will compete during each heat.

Coleman said the fundraiser is open to everyone, regardless of fitness level or CrossFit experience.

"You don't have to be a member," she said. "You don't have to have any skill level to join."

Registration is available through the Soy City CrossFit Facebook page by scanning the event's QR code and selecting a preferred heat time.

For organizers, the event is about much more than exercise.

"Being the wife of a first responder, this kind of hit home," Coleman said. "We wanted to show the Wittmer family support and let them know that the community is behind them."

In addition to the Rowathon, attendees can enjoy food vendors, coffee in the morning, music and a silent auction. Coleman said 100% of the proceeds from athlete registration fees and the silent auction will go directly to the Wittmer family. A portion of food vendor sales will also be donated.

The event flyer describes Sgt. Wittmer as a "husband, father, friend" and encourages the community to remember his service with the message: "He fought for others. Now we row for his family."

Additional information is available online.