FORT BRAGG, N.C. - Neither cramps, blisters, rain, sandy trails, nor tipped canoes could stop the competitors from participating in the Adventure Race Saturday. Family and Morale, Welfare, and Recreation Sports office hosted its annual event throughout the Smith Lake Recreational Area.
The race consisted of two-member teams competing in a verity of events to include a 5K cross-country race, land orienteering, a 10K mountain bike race, canoe paddling and a mystery event.
Each member had to complete each event before moving on to the next event and they had to remain within eye sight of each other throughout the event. Not only did they have to stay together and complete every event, they also had to maintain their race bib, a knife, whistle, waterproof jacket, a hat, protective eyewear, a flashlight, a compass and a pencil in order to be qualified to win.
Collin Cogar and Matt Waldrop took first place with a time of 2:23:42. Close behind were Gabriel Lucero and Todd Wisman with a total time of 2:28:9. The first couple's team to cross the finish line was husband and wife team, Sean and Stephanie Badwound, who finished the event with a time of 2:50:57.
The next couple to cross was William Miller and Christine Weber with a time of 3:05:10. Also, in the Men's 35 and Older Division, Tony Borjas and Jamie Bowman were the first to finish with a time of 3:09:48.
For teammates Rollin Burley and Christopher Will, the competition was all about being outdoors and enjoying time together.
"It was fun," said Burley. "Rough, but fun."
For the same reason, husband and wife team, Teresa and Chris Haltom, signed up for the event.
"The canoe part was the best because we were racing another couple onto the beach," said Chris.
Mindy Erdmann and Ty Blain competed after having their second date last year at the adventure race.
"We enjoy doing this sort of thing," said Erdmann. "We are actually training up for a marathon in Pinehurst."
Anna Laboon and her race partner competed for a bonding experience and to have fun. They were looking forward to the bike or canoe race the most, but not the running.
"That's our least favorite thing," Laboon's partner said with a smile.
That wasn't the consensus for the rest of the competitors after the race. The sands on the mountain bike trail seemed to be everyone's Achilles' heel.
"The sand was tough," said Spencer Phillips, who competed with friend Seth Grimm. "We started making up time between events."
But sand and all, most competitors said they would compete again next year.
For upcoming races and competitions, visit the FMWR website at www.fortbraggmwr.com or call the sports office at 396-1217.
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