Bonnie Heater
Signal staff
FORT GORDON, Ga.--(May 29, 2009) Getting really dirty and muddy must have been the drawing force for the 2009 Marine Mud Challenge held on Armed Forces Day, May 16, at Fort Gordon.
More than 500 turned out for the event.
This was the second year the U.S. Marine Corps Detachment hosted this event, according to Gunnery Sgt. Jared Bean, the operations and training chief for the U.S. Marine Corps Detachment on post. "We were pleasantly surprised with the turn out because there was so much going on in the Central Savannah River Area and Fort Gordon that day," said Bean.
We had an estimated 61children, age 5-13, participating in the Children's Challenge, added Bean. This event was a one mile off-road course which featured a noncompetitive off road route with logs, walls and water obstacles and of course, mud. All the children received special dog tags for participating in the challenge.
Over 100 four-person teams queued up to take on the 4.5 mile off-road course that was dotted with numerous obstacles, a stream crossing and hills. Out of the 121 four-member teams entered in the Marine Mud Challenge four teams emerged as winners in their divisions. In the male category, "In It To Win It," completed the challenge with a time of 40:03. "Mud XC," an all female team, finished with a time of 55:51; "Justice League," a coed team, completed the event in 48:45.
"Wheels," one of the paramilitary teams, finished in 47:53 and the Reserve Officers' Training Corps' team, "Augusta Elite All-Stars," completed in 46:34.
Paramilitary team members had to run in boots and uniform trousers. All teams had to complete the 17 obstacles and cross the finish line together.
The Fort Gordon Fire Department brought out Fire Truck #30 to hose off all the caked on mud on participants.
The Central Savannah River Area Young Marines helped youngsters not only scale the last obstacle, a steep wall, but they also provided moral support and escorted the young challengers to the finish line; making sure no one was left behind. All race participants received an event T-shirt. The top three teams received individual awards. First place team members for each category received a $50 gift card. The top three JROTC Training Corps and paramilitary teams received team trophies.
Proceeds from the challenges will be used for Morale, Welfare and Recreation programs at Fort Gordon which enhance the quality of life for the military community by providing Family services, recreational facilities and entertainment.