Join the 2025 Juneteenth Challenge

The Concept2 Juneteenth Challenge is a one-day virtual event on June 19 that coincides with Juneteenth, the oldest nationally celebrated commemoration of the ending of slavery in 1865 in the United States. We invite you to join us for the sixth annual Juneteenth Challenge and do a small part to celebrate African American freedoms and achievements. 

Here’s how the challenge works: Concept2 pledges to donate $19,000, plus an additional $2 for every person who completes more than 1900 meters on the Concept2® RowErg®, SkiErg® or BikeErg® (3800 meters on the BikeErg), up to a maximum total of $38,000. In 2024, we raised nearly $29,000, with over 6000 signing up for the challenge 

Here are the three organizations we’ve chosen to support with this year’s funds: 

Edge Outdoors
EDGE Outdoors is a powerful initiative addressing the health disparities faced by Black, Indigenous, and Women of Color—including trans, queer, and non-gender conforming individuals, as well as youth ages 18–24— by dismantling systemic barriers to wellness and outdoor recreation, particularly within snow sports. Edge Outdoor’s dynamic approach extends beyond introducing snow sports. They aim to revolutionize the industry by creating inclusive opportunities that mitigate health inequities. Through scholarships and accessible programming offered at zero-to-little cost, they empower women to experience the healing power of nature, improve physical fitness, and build resilience and community. 

EDGE Outdoors is committed to addressing the discriminatory practices that historically excluded Black, Indigenous, and Women of Color from mountain spaces and recreational activities. By fostering partnerships, providing education, and leading advocacy efforts, they champion a more equitable and just future where all women, regardless of background, can thrive. Founded and led by a Black woman, Annette Diggs, EDGE Outdoors stands at the intersection of health, equity, and inclusion, transforming outdoor recreation into a tool for addressing health disparities and promoting wellness for underserved communities. 

Paddle for Peace 
Paddle for Peace is on a mission to Diversify the Coast by breaking down barriers and connecting underserved youth to the ocean’s transformative and healing power. They believe that the ocean is not only a place of joy and adventure but a source of deep healing—for people, for communities, and for the planet. Paddle for Peace believes that the ocean is a place of healing, empowerment, and connection. They envision a future where every human feels a deep connection to the coast, inspired to protect and preserve marine environments. They strive to create lasting change by nurturing the next generation of leaders who champion inclusivity, environmental stewardship, and the healing power of the ocean. They work to ensure every child has access to it by creating equitable access to surfing, marine science, and ocean conservation. Through their free programs, they foster confidence, leadership, and a lifelong bond with the ocean.  

 
Richmond Cycling Corps 
Richmond Cycling Corps is on a mission to educate and empower the lives of Richmond, VA youth living in the heart of the East End of the city by constantly pivoting towards relevant outreach. With Richmond, VA being the 6th highest concentration of public housing in the United States, Richmond Cycling Corps strives to use more than just cycling to enrich the lives of local youth. The five pillars that steer their mission are: 

Community — Constantly pivot toward relevant outreach to enrich the communities in the heart of public housing. 

Education — Invest resources to educate the most marginalized high-school youth who are unable to succeed in a traditional education environment.  The students who are chronically absent, failing, suspended, expelled, etc. 

Employment — Provide employment opportunities to empower Richmond's youth through local businesses and through our own Kickstand. 

Health & Wellness — Use cycling as a tool to create engagement as a means toward further development. 

Individual Support — Provide structure and stability as an invested ally in the lives of those we serve. 

It's Easy to Participate in the Juneteenth Challenge! 

First, be sure you have a free Concept2 Online Logbook, or use our free app Ergdata, to participate in the Juneteenth Challenge—or any of our Logbook challenges, for that matter. It's simple to set up your online logbook. By doing so, you will be opened up to a world of training opportunities like keeping track of your total meters, analyzing your progress, taking part in challenges, and comparing your results against others worldwide. 

Next, starting on June 1, sign up for the challenge from your online logbook page. Then on June 19, row, ski or ride 1900 meters on the Concept2 RowErg, SkiErg, or BikeErg (Reminder: BikeErg meters are counted as half when applied to the challenge). Meters can be done all at once in one workout or over several workouts throughout the day. Just be sure to use Ergata to automatically upload your meters to the logbook, or manually enter them into your online logbook. 

Your participation in the Juneteenth Challenge will enable our three 2025 organizations to better serve their missions. We’re excited to provide our support directly to organizations that provide leadership, and act as role models for health and fitness in their communities. Read about past Juneteenth recipients.