Laughlin begins preparations for third-annual Adventure Race

  • Published
  • By Airman Sara Csurilla
  • 47th FTW Public Affairs
LAUGHLIN AIR FORCE BASE, Texas --  Approximately 60 to 70 teams from different bases and the surrounding area are scheduled to gather 7:30 a.m., April 28 at Anderson Hall to kick off the third-annual Laughlin Air Force Base Adventure Race.

The Adventure race tradition began in the summer of 2004 when a few motivated pilots wanted to create a challenge for themselves to have a little fun. The race started as a very physically demanding ordeal but developed into an adventure anyone with motivation could accomplish, said Bill Goins, wing exercise physiologist.

Starting with 26 miles of biking and concluding the race with a total of eight miles running and rafting at Lake Amistad, the race is designed to be very physically demanding, yet fun and doable.

Two types of teams will participate in the race -- an Xtreme team made up of four people or a relay team made up of five to eight people. However, it's required for all team members stay within 50 feet of each other throughout the entire race.

"It was one of the best feelings in the world to know that I had finished something so challenging," said Christina Alberico, a pediatric medical technician in the 47th Medical Group.  "That's why I'm preparing to do the race again this year."

Exercising at least three to five times a week with a steady cardiovascular workout like running three miles or 30 minutes straight could really help prepare someone a great deal for the race, said Mr. Goins.

"The race is meant for people to have fun and challenge themselves at the same time," said Goins, "I want anyone to feel like they can accomplish this feat."

There are not many differences in this year's race compared to last year, except the route is being kept a secret, so that reoccurring participants cannot train on the same course as last year, said Mr. Goins.

"We need more than 100 volunteers this year, so if anyone wants to still participate but not do the race, we really need them," said Mr. Goins.

Registration costs $80 per team, and must be accomplished by April 14, to register go to Outdoor Recreation or Losano Fitness Center. For details call 298-8530 or email william.goins@laughlin.af.mil.