Weekend fun; Soldier style

By Staff Sgt. Jennifer C Johnson (JFHQNCRMDW)July 30, 2014

Weekend fun; Soldier style
1 / 5 Show Caption + Hide Caption – (left to right) Capt. Kelley A. Keating, National Defense University student, and Capt. Marjana E. Bidwell, 1st Battalion, 3rd U.S. Infantry Regiment (The Old Guard), run at the start of the four-mile Spartan sprint event held at Wicomico Motorsports... (Photo Credit: U.S. Army) VIEW ORIGINAL
Weekend fun; Soldier style
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Weekend fun; Soldier style
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Weekend fun; Soldier style
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Weekend fun; Soldier style
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WASHINGTON (July 26, 2014) -- Seven members from the U.S. Army Military District of Washington participated in their second annual Spartan race held at Wicomico Motorsports Park in Charlotte Hall, Md.

The race was a four-mile sprint with more than 15 obstacles that tested participant's athletic skills, as well as their ability to work as a team in order to move from one obstacle to another.

"I thought this would be a fun event to do again with the command," said Command Sgt. Maj. David O. Turnbull, MDW command sergeant major and team captain. "It was a great work out and I think the obstacles are a great way to help build esprit-de-corps with the Soldiers and civilians that participated."

"This race was a great tool for teaching team building and trust," said Sgt. William C. Chappell, MDW Command movement coordinator. "It teaches you to trust your teammates and tests your own abilities as a physically fit Soldier."

Obstacles included climbing a nine-foot wall, low crawling through a barbed wire mud pit, rope climbs, and jumping over a fire pit, which tested the member's agility and willingness to work together.

"It was a great event to do as a team," said Turnbull. "I'm glad everyone had a good time. That's really what it's all about."

"This is my first Spartan race, but I think everybody at the command could really benefit from this event," said Chappell. "The race teaches participates cohesion and confidence, and it also teaches a person to adapt and overcome physical limits, forcing you to use the resources around you. I had fun!"

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Learn more about The U.S. Army Military District of Washington

More photos from the race