PDA

View Full Version : BOOT CAMP CHALLENGE 2003 - Local community gets lost in sand at Boot Camp Challenge



thedrifter
10-12-03, 08:50 PM
BOOT CAMP CHALLENGE 2003 - Local community gets lost in sand at Boot Camp Challenge
Submitted by: MCRD San Diego
Story Identification Number: 2003101014825
Story by Lance Cpl. Jess Levens



MARINE CORPS RECRUIT DEPOT SAN DIEGO, Calif.(October 10, 2003) -- The second annual Marine Corps Recruit Depot San Diego Boot Camp Challenge kicked off Saturday as nearly 1,800 Marines, sailors and civilians participated in the event, which marked the beginning of Fleet Week, a celebration of the local military presence.

The Boot Camp Challenge is a three-mile obstacle run through the Depot making the runners not only run, but jump, crawl, climb and push.

Sixty drill instructors from Recruit Training Regiment posted along the race to oversee the event and to yell "encouragement," much like they do to the recruits during recruit training.

One of the main purposes of the event is to involve the civilian world with the military, according to Brig. Gen. John M. Paxton Jr., commanding general, MCRD San Diego and Western Recruiting Region.

"The Boot Camp Challenge is important for three reasons," said Paxton. "First of all, we want to emphasize the importance of physical fitness. Secondly, this is part of Fleet Week, and the Navy and Marine Corps team appreciates the support of the citizens of San Diego. Thirdly, it's part of the ongoing relationship between the Marine Corps and the citizens of America."

Booths from Marine Corps Community Services and other event sponsors were set up around the starting point with food, shirts and other merchandise available.

Prior to the start of the race, Gunnery Sgt. Ralph S. Lucero, instructor, Drill Instructor School, gave a race brief, detailing the obstacles, and letting the runners know first off that the drill instructors were running the show.

"You will say 'yes sir,'" bellowed Lucero.

"Yes sir," screamed the crowd.

"No. Louder!" demanded Lucero until the volume of the runners grew loud enough to create an atmosphere of excitement and a hunger to begin the race.

After Lucero's brief, the whistle blew and the race began. Men, women and teenagers took off like a wild stampede, ready to overcome the challenges the boot camp atmosphere had to offer.

Some ran in traditional PT gear, others in "boots and utes." Still, others ran in costumes portraying Batman, Wonder Woman and even Elvis Presley.

"You get a sense of what happens here," said Bob Babbit, publisher, Competitor Magazine, dressed in full Elvis attire. "This event brings the military and civilians closer together and allows us to bond and really appreciate (the military)."

Runners began to pour in after about 20 minutes, drenched with sweat, mud and water. The overall fastest time of 18 minutes, 59 seconds was run by 29-year-old Jon Clark.

The race seemed to be difficult for most who ran, but proved to be a worthwhile and successful event.

"It was hard, but really fun," said Shane Hoalst, eager to enjoy some free snacks and drinks. "It was just awesome. I think it was harder than a half-marathon."


http://www.usmc.mil/marinelink/image1.nsf/Lookup/20031010144145/$file/Overall_lr.jpg

"I know we're not walking!" said Sgt. Richard P. Flores, drill instructor, Company B, to challengers taking on obstacles. They hit the dirt and began attacking obstacles after about a mile into the race.
Photo by: Sgt. Scott Dunn


http://www.usmc.mil/marinelink/image1.nsf/Lookup/20031010144331/$file/Number-in-sand_lr.jpg

A mislaying runner's bib becomes compost in the obstacle course.
Photo by: Sgt. Scott Dunn



http://www.usmc.mil/marinelink/image1.nsf/Lookup/2003101014453/$file/Start_lr.jpg

With the men starting a few minutes earlier to avoid congestion on the obstacles, the women strike out from the start line in front of Building 31.
Photo by: Sgt. Scott Dunn


continued..........

thedrifter
10-12-03, 08:52 PM
http://www.usmc.mil/marinelink/image1.nsf/Lookup/2003101014474/$file/Blurred1_lr.jpg

With barks and hollers, a drill instructor swarm hounds a lagging runner around the halfway mark.
Photo by: Sgt. Scott Dunn



http://www.usmc.mil/marinelink/image1.nsf/Lookup/2003101014507/$file/get-over_lr.jpg

Sgt. Robert J. Gomez, drill instructor, Company A, encourages challengers to climb over a wooden obstacle-course wall.
Photo by: Sgt. Scott Dunn

http://www.usmc.mil/marinelink/mcn2000.nsf/main5/DDFBCFD3C219681C85256DBB0063A5FD?opendocument

The Drifter
:marine:

lurchenstein
10-13-03, 01:27 AM
If I'd known ahead of time, would've driven to San Diego to see this. "O"-Course looks familiar, but nobody's wearing sunglasses.