News>Feature - Air National Guard sponsors Spartan Race 2011
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Warriors from the Army, Air Force, Navy, Marines and civilians gathered together at the starting line to begin their heat during the Spartan Race sponsored by the Air National Guard at Glen Rose, Texas, Dec. 3, 2011. The race consisted of three courses filed with obstacles from 3-miles, 8-miles and 11-miles run. (Air National Guard photo by Senior Master Sgt. Elizabeth Gilbert)
Army warriors prepare mentally and physically to run a grueling foot race during the Spartan Race sponsored by the Air National Guard at Glen Rose, Texas, Dec. 3, 2011. The race consists of more than a dozen obstacles where they run, jump and crawl through mud and water. (Air National Guard photo by Senior Master Sgt. Elizabeth Gilbert)
Spartan warriors race to the top of the rope climb through the chilling waters during the Spartan Race sponsored by the Air National Guard at Glen Rose, Texas, Dec. 3, 2011. The rope climb tests their strength and agility to climb to the top and ring the bell after conquering a dozen obstacles within three miles. (Air National Guard photo by Senior Master Sgt. Elizabeth Gilbert)
Spartan warriors struggle to climb a slippery wall coated with liquid soap during the Spartan Race sponsored by the Air National Guard at Glen Rose, Texas, Dec. 3, 2011. The wall obstacle is extremely difficult to climb without teamwork and camaraderie. (Air National Guard photo by Senior Master Sgt. Elizabeth Gilbert)
Exhausted warriors battle through the final obstacle during the Spartan Race sponsored by the Air National Guard at Glen Rose, Texas, Dec. 3, 2011. The finish line gave each warrior a medal for completing the grueling race. (Air National Guard photo by Senior Master Sgt. Elizabeth Gilbert)
by Senior Master Sgt. Elizabeth Gilbert
136 Airlift Wing/Public Affairs
12/14/2011 - GLEN ROSE, Texas -- GLEN ROSE, Texas--Ah-roo! Ah-roo! Ah-roo! was the chant bellowed by approximately 300 Spartan warriors as they formed up at the starting line to begin the first heat of the 2011 Spartan Race held here at the Rough Creek Lodge and Resort, Dec. 3.
More than 3100 warriors participated in a grueling foot race to test determination, endurance and camaraderie. The course consisted of 12 heats over three courses filled with various obstacles and lots of mud.
"The rain made it extra muddy," said Patrick Guyette, sponsorship director for the U.S. Spartan Race, "This is the first time that we held the race here in the Dallas area. The response was tremendous! The rain made it more challenging."
The race's major sponsor is the Air National Guard and part of the proceeds benefit Homes for our Troops. Master Sgt. Bobby Shepard, 136th Airlift Wing, recruiter, Texas Air National Guard rewarded each warrior crossing the finish line with a commemorative towel to wipe off the mud.
"The Spartan Race is all about getting people off their couch, getting people motivated, to get in good shape and live a healthy lifestyle," said Guyette.
Spartan Race is an international obstacle racing series with three levels of courses: 3 mile Sprints, 8 miles Supers (Olympic distance) and 10-12 miles Beasts (ultra distance) where you will run, jump and crawl your way over a dozen or more obstacles put in your way.
"We started the U.S. Spartan Race in 2005. It was called the 'Spartan Death Race', a 24-48 hour survival race in the woods of Vermont," said Guyette. "The founders wanted to design a course for those who did not want to be out in the woods for 24 hours."
Today, the Spartan Race attracts the young and old, strong and meek, males and females, and those who rise up to the challenge.
"Every warrior here has one mind set, 'finish the race'. You will know how it feels once you reach the finish line...exhilarating!" concluded Guyette.
