Spartan is more than a race

WINNSBORO, S.C. - Senior Airman John Makripodis (left) and Staff Sgt. James Bailey (right), both from the 4th Security Forces Squadron Military Working Dogs section, low crawl under barbed wire during the Super Spartan Race in Winnsboro, S.C. June 25, 2011. Airman Makripodis and Sergeant Bailey along with six other Airmen from the 4th SFS K-9 section competed in the eight-mile obstacle-course-style race in support of Staff Sgt. Benjamin Seekell and military working dog Charlie who were injured in Afghanistan in May. Airmen from the Seymour Johnson Running Club also competed in the race. (Courtesy Photo)

Spartan is more than a race

WINNSBORO, S.C. - Senior Airman Matthew Halligan, 4th Security Forces Squadron military Working Dogs section, climbs a rope to get out of a pond during the Super Spartan Race in Winnsboro, S.C. June 25, 2011. Airman Halligan, along with seven other Airmen from the K-9 section competed in the eight-mile obstacle-course-style race that tested mental and physical endurance. The K-9 section competed in the race in support of Staff Sgt. Benjamin Seekell and military working dog, Charlie, who were injured in Afghanistan in May. (Courtesy photo)

Spartan is more than a race

WINNSBORO, S.C. - Master Sgt. Nathan Nash, 4th Security Forces Squadron Military Working Dogs section, shows off his shirt before competing in the Super Spartan Race at Carolina Adventure Park in Winnsboro, S.C., June 25, 2011. Eight Airmen from the K-9 section competed in the grueling eight-mile race in dedication to Staff Sgt. Benjamin Seekell and military working dog, Charlie, who were wounded in Afghanistan in May. The race included maneuvering eight foot-high walls, jumping from 10 -15 foot cliffs and a 50 meter low-crawl. (Courtesy Photo)

Spartan is more than a race

Published June 30, 2011
By Staff Sgt. Timothy Randall
372nd Training Squadron

SEYMOUR JOHNSON AIR FORCE BASE, N.C. -- I heard about the Super Spartan Race through the Seymour Johnson running club. The race was held at the Carolina Adventure Park in Winnsboro, S.C. The terrain was very rugged since the park is an ATV/Dirt bike resort. Steep hills, mud, clay, rocks, creeks; you name it and it was there.

I had no idea what to expect when I first signed up. All I knew about the Super Spartan Race was it was about eight miles, included more than 15 obstacles and was supposed to be a lot of fun. It turned out to be the most fun I have ever had in a race. I enjoy running, but this obstacle race took fun to another level, and honestly, I think I'm hooked on this sport.

Looking at that first steep hill we had to jump over was quite intimidating. It definitely got my adrenaline flowing. Once the countdown hit zero, I was off running.

The obstacles tested everything from strength to balance, endurance and fear. The hardest obstacle by far was carrying a 60-pound bag of sand down a steep hill, setting it down for a minute to jump off a 10-foot cliff into water, picking the sand bag back up and carrying it back up the hill.

The best part about the obstacle course is that if you failed any obstacle, you were required to complete 30 blurpies (an exercise consisting of jumping in the air, doing a push-up and jumping in the air again). That was always in the back of your mind when you approached an obstacle. I was one of the lucky ones who made it through all of the obstacles without a hitch and without injuries.

The race was truly a team building event. I saw people helping people and encouraging one another around every corner. Everybody had a smile on their face and seemed to be having a good time. Capt. Marsha Smith and I helped a lady over the last obstacle. She was struggling and hanging from the last wall. She didn't want to give up, so we didn't give up on her. With a little pull from the front and push from behind she made it over.

I ended up completing the course in 1 hour, 35 minutes and placed 61 out of 330 competitors. This race was more than just statistics. It was about going out and seeing what you are made of. Would I ever do this race again? In a heartbeat! In fact, I just signed up for a Tough Mudder race yesterday in Virginia in October. Same type of race, but 10 miles long with 18 obstacles. I would highly suggest everyone complete one of these races. They are a lot of fun and you may come back with a very memorable experience.