FORT BENNING, Ga. (Feb. 12, 2014) -- The Directorate of Family and Morale, Welfare and Recreation's Sports, Fitness and Aquatics Division hosts the annual Fort Benning Race Series. These competitions are open to the public, and most of them include prizes awarded to top finishers in each division. They also include free T-shirts to the first 100 to register. Register for any of these events at Smith Fitness Center or active.com. For more information, call 706-505-7759 or 706-527-2275.

The first event in the series, the Adventure Race, is a five-hour course, starting at Uchee Creek, that includes mountain biking, trekking, paddling, navigation and mystery events. The entry fee is $40 for individuals, $60 for teams of two and $75 for three. The 2014 Adventure Race is scheduled for Feb. 15.

The Chesty Puller Half Marathon Trail Run is not for the faint-hearted; the trail is routed deep into the woods near Kelley Hill. This competition includes three divisions: male, female and military teams of three or four. The cost is $40 in advance for the 13.1 mile race, and $50 the day of the event. The first 100 to register also receive a commemorative coin.

The cost of the 5K Chesty Puller Fun Run, held in conjunction with the half marathon, is $10 in advance and $15 on site. The 2014 Chesty Puller Half Marathon Trail Run is scheduled for March 15.

We do things backward around here with the Reverse Sprint Triathlon each spring. This event includes a 5K run, 20K bike ride and a 750 meter swim. The race starts at 8 a.m. at Carey Pool on Main Post. The fee is $45 for individuals or $75 per team.

Onsite registration increases by $10. The 2014 Reverse Sprint Triathlon is scheduled for May 17.

The final event in the series is the Oktoberfest 10K Cross Country Challenge, the highlight of the annual Oktoberfest Celebration held at Uchee Creek. This event is held in conjunction with a stroller-friendly 5K Volksmarch. The 10K dirt and clay route winds deep into the woods around Uchee Creek. Watch your step and for wildlife, please! The cost of early registration is $25, $35 on site. The 2014 Oktoberfest 10K Cross Country challenge is scheduled for Oct. 25.