Marines, Sailors, local community members swim, bike, sprint

News: Marines, Sailors, local community members swim, bike, sprint

2nd Marine Aircraft Wing & Marine Corps Air Station Cherry Point

Subscribe To This Unit

Story by Lance Cpl. Stephen Stewart Subscribe To This Journalist

Lance Cpl. Stephen Stewart

A competitor speeds down the road during the 10-mile biking portion of a sprint triathlon Aug. 25, aboard Marine Corps Air Station Cherry Point, N.C. Moments before, he completed a 400-meter swim and would a 3-mile run still lay ahead.

MARINE CORPS AIR STATION CHERRY POINT, N.C. – More than 200 competitors in swim-suits poised on the side of Hancock pool with orange tracking chips strapped to their ankles, waiting for the announcer to start the annual Cherry Point Sprint Triathlon Aug. 25.

The participants were separated into five groups when they gathered at the starting point with their swim suits, bicycles and running shoes before the race started.

When the announcer finally started the race, each member waited his or her turn to jump into the water and begin the journey to the finish line.

Marine Corps Community Service's Semper Fit of Cherry Point hosted the record turnout annual sprint triathlon, which consisted of a 400-meter swim, a 10-mile bike ride and a 3-mile run.

“It’s amazing to see this many people show up and compete in the race,” said Berna Crosby, the event coordinator with MCCS. “It seems like every year we get more and more supporters.”

The race was part of the 2012 Marine Corps Grand Prix Series, a series of races that takes place every year on the air station, Marine Corps Base Camp Lejeune, and within the local area. Those who compete earn points that go toward their end-of- year score. The top three male and female competitors are scheduled to be recognized during a ceremony Dec. 8, after the final 5-kilometer run at Camp Lejeune.

“These military members do so much for us and their country,” said Crosby. “We wanted to give back to the military by hosting these events so they can get out and have fun and compete.”

1st Lt. Mark C. Hardman, a judge advocate with Headquarters and Support Battalion at Marine Corps Base Camp Lejeune, N.C., took first place overall with a time of 51 minutes, 57 seconds.

“I’ve never done something like this before,” said Cpl. Samuel Foltz, an aviation precision measurement equipment calibration and repair technician with Marine Aviation Logistics Squadron 14. “I wanted to see how I would do. I wanted to push myself.”

As the participants crossed the finish line covered in sweat, exhausted and in pain, they received medals for completing the race and achieving their goals.

“The pain will go away,” said Crosby. “The memories and the friends you make out here will be forever.”

The next event put on by MCCS is a duathlon on Sept. 15. For more information contact Berna Crosby at 466-2208.