WESTPORT — Push Against Cancer’s annual “push-up-a-thon” will press ahead Oct. 3 for a 12th year, raising money for the Hole in the Wall Gang Camp — and a healthy sweat for participants.

The event starts at 9 a.m. at Staples High School, 70 North Ave. Opening ceremonies are set for 9:30, and push-ups — open to all ages and fitness levels — get underway at 10:30.

Funds benefit the non-profit Hole in the Wall Gang Camp, founded in 1988 by the late actor and longtime Westport resident Paul Newman. Located in the upstate town of Ashford, the camp’s name references the movie, “Butch Cassidy and the Sundance Kid,” in which Newman memorably portrayed one of the members of the Hole in the Wall Gang.

Newman founded the camp to provide “a different kind of healing” for seriously ill children and their families. There is no charge for any child who attends the camp or any of its off-site programs throughout the Northeast — even though the cost runs an average of $2,500 per camper, according to a Push Against Cancer release.

To date, the Push Against Cancer in Westport has raised a total of more than $725,000, the charity reports. The fundraiser was founded by Andy Berman, a local fitness professional, opening a new gym in Westport. Since 2010, Berman has been involved in organizing the push-up-a-thon annually, even adapting the event to a virtual format last year because of the pandemic.

The year, organizers hope to raise enough money to send 100 children to the camp.

Because of continuing pandemic concerns, participants will be spaced out across the Staples girls field hockey field to maintain safe social distancing.

  • There is a $40 registration fee, which goes toward the $100 fundraising minimum requested of each participant. To register, or to donate, click here.