Adventure Race VII a ‘complete success’

  • Published
  • By Senior Airman Scott Saldukas
  • 47th Flying Training Wing public affairs
LAUGHLIN AIR FORCE BASE, Texas --  Around 500 people that made up about 70 different teams took part in Laughlin's Adventure Race VII April 9.

The race consisted of three separate phases, which began at Laughlin, traveled through Del Rio to Lake Amistad and ended at Brook Mill RV Park on Highway 90 in Del Rio.

To complete the race, competitors had to conquer a 26-mile, on- and off-road bicycle course, a seven-mile run and a final seven-mile bike ride to the finish line. The winning team completed the grueling course in about 2 hours and 22 minutes.

"It was the most physically demanding thing I have ever done," said Capt. Joshua Leibel, 47th Operations Support Squadron and Adventure Race participant. "It was my first time and I had a blast. I will be back next year."

While the event was a first for some participants, others from the community have been taking part for years.

"This is our fourth year coming to the race," said Cathy Wacaser, community member and race volunteer. "It's great for the community to get together with the military. I think it's important for us to come out and show our appreciation we have for everything they do for the city and our country."

Many community members came out to show their gratitude and help with the race and event coordinators and city agencies worked closely to ensure the race would go on with pending government issues taking place.

"We worked closely with the community," said Capt. Jennifer Moore, 47th OSS and Adventure Race co-director. "This never would have been possible if it wasn't for them."

Originally, the race was supposed to conclude at the Lake Amistad Marina with a two mile rowing portion. Due to the uncertainty of government issues at the time, the lake was subject to closure along with all other state parks and forced race planners to alter the race's route.

"Even though the route changed, I think it was a complete success," said Captain Moore. "It was a great way to build camaraderie within your team and with all teams going through the same extreme event together. Being a part of the race this year was great, we came across many challenges and as a team, we pulled the event together and turned out to be the largest Adventure Race to date."

Race results:

Extreme (4 team members):
1st place -- T-6 Titans
2nd place -- Tryathletes
3rd place -- 2 Legit to Quit

Relay (up to 8 team members):
1st place -- Devil Cats
2nd place -- Boxhead Bashers
3rd place -- Los Bomberos

First Team to Register Award:
High Maintenance