Frequently Asked Questions.
What is GOLGOTHA? GOLGOTHA is a 24-hour workout challenge designed to engage the fitness community with the ministry of FCA, to point people to the life-giving hope and transformational power found in the gospel of Jesus Christ, and to rally people together to raise money for a great cause. It was launched by Ryan Gloer in 2023 in Charlotte, NC as a way to serve coaches and athletes in the fitness space. It is intentionally done during the days leading up to Easter – with the workout starting on Thursday and finishing on Good Friday. GOLGOTHA is the Aramaic name of the location where Jesus was crucified – which is also known as “Calvary” – or – “The Place of the Skull”.
I’ve never done GOLGOTHA before. What can I expect? Thanks for joining in! Welcome to the team! You will be encouraged and exhausted! You will be stretched physically and spiritually! And you will experience incredible community and fellowship! You will begin working out on Thursday and you will finish up 24 hours later on Good Friday. We have provided the GOLGOTHA Playbook for you to work through as you participate in this challenge. The playbook has a lot of helpful information including a list of the workouts, devotions, links to the video series, the history of the event, and more. Please browse our website and download our GOLGOTHA Playbook for more. (Note: You can use the PDF version of the playbook or you may choose to download it and print it out for your journey).
Do you really work out for 24 hours? Yes, many of our participants workout for 24 hours straight – pushing themselves way beyond their limits!
Do I have to do all 24 hours? No. While we want to see as many as possible complete the 24-hour challenge, many people choose to do part of it. You may come train for your normal workout of the day, or your work schedule may prohibit you from completing all 24 hours. Whatever the case, we hope that you will consider joining us for some or all of GOLGOTHA!
Who can participate in GOLGOTHA? The answer to this can depend on a variety of factors. Generally speaking, it is up to the host leader and the host site where you plan to participate. Certain facilities will not allow athletes under the age of 18 to participate while others have an age of 16 minimum. Please ask your facility host/coach what age is appropriate for their facility and confirm with them what requirements are necessary to participate. Please clear it with them before proceeding. Note: Age and fitness ability can factor in depending on location. Please make sure all appropriate safety measures are in place before participating in GOLGOTHA.
What should I bring with me? Know your body and its needs and familiarize yourself with what your host site location will be providing. We encourage you to bring your Bible, phone and watch chargers, a refillable water bottle, all of your training gear (grips, belts, straps, shoes, etc.), multiple sets of clothes to train in (your preference), food and hydration (Water, Snacks, Supplements), multiple towels, athletic tape (just in case!), your personal toiletries, and more! You will most likely be at one location for 24 hours. Please prepare accordingly.
Does it cost money to participate in GOLGOTHA? No. You may choose to donate to FCA, but participating in the event itself is free. Registration is required to participate. Please follow all registration guidelines based on the host site you will be participating at.
What if I don’t have a host site near me? If you can’t find a group near you there are a couple of options. One, you can choose to serve as a host site and begin inviting your friends to join you! Two, you can begin researching available GOLGOTHA sites within your region and ask them if it’d be possible to join in. Note: If you serve as a host site, please follow the registration guidelines on our homepage.
Can I do it alone? Participating in GOLGOTHA alone is not advised. Please find a buddy and make sure appropriate safety measures and precautions are in place before participating. We do not recommend you tackle this challenge if you are by yourself and not surrounded by a group of people.
Can I do it at my local 24-hour fitness facility? Please request permission from the facility owners/managers where you plan to participate in GOLGOTHA. While many facilities remain open around the clock, you will want to meet with the proper authorities well ahead of time to explain what you will be doing. Please respect and follow the rules, wishes, and requests of gym and facility owners.
Do I have to start at the time that it says on the schedule? No. Due to a variety of locations and time zones around the country (and around the world!) we will have groups starting at all hours of the day. Work with your host site to determine the best start time on Thursday, knowing that you will finish at that same time 24 hours later on Good Friday.
Do I have to order gear from the website? No. We have provided a GOLGOTHA Store as a way for you to purchase swag to wear before, during, or after your workout. Please order your gear way ahead of time in order to receive it before the event.
How do I serve as a host site? If you would like to serve as a host site, please follow the registration guidelines on our homepage and follow the link to register. Whether it’s you and a couple of buddies doing GOLGOTHA in a garage gym or you are partnering with your local CrossFit Box or you are a Sports Performance facility owner inviting your crew, we invite you to join in with countless fitness enthusiast across the country as we share the good news about Jesus Christ while working out for 24 hours straight! As a host, you will be responsible for creating a registration page (including all liability waiver information) for all of your participants.
If you are FCA Staff serving as a host site, please work with the Support Center to set up your local event registration. You are also responsible for securing a Certificate of Insurance (COI) through the Support Center prior to your event. Each host is responsible for providing all resources and materials (Ex: Hydration and nutrition needs, Athletic Trainer, Restrooms, etc.) needed to safely complete GOLGOTHA at their host site facility.
NOTICE: The Golgotha Challenge is a voluntary, self-directed workout program. All exercises are performed independently and without supervision by FCA. Participation is entirely voluntary and involves inherent risks, including risk of injury or death. FCA does not provide coaching, supervision, medical advice, insurance coverage, or on-site safety personnel in connection with this Challenge. Participants are solely responsible for determining whether they are physically and medically able to participate. By hosting and/or participating in this challenge, you ("Participant") acknowledge that you are doing so voluntarily. You understand that this challenge may involve physical exertion, risks, and hazards, including but not limited to, physical injury, property damage, or other unexpected incidents. By hosting and participating, you acknowledge that you have read this agreement, understand it, and voluntarily agree to be bound by its terms.
