Survival team crushes competition

Published Oct. 19, 2006
By 2nd Lt. Noellani Bacnis
92nd ARW Public Affairs

FAIRCHILD AIR FORCE BASE, Wash. -- Competitive Airmen representing squadrons across the base participated in Fairchild's first Great Race on Oct. 13.

The teams were challenged mentally and physically figuring out clues and overcoming physical activities while trying to be first across the finish line.

The Great Race, a spin-off of CBS's Amazing Race, was comprised of 11 teams with four members per team and an agent from another squadron who ensured the team followed the rules.

The Great Race was intended "to give the teams competition between all the units on base and to test out the event... It was overall a success," said John Gahagan, Fitness Center fitness director.

The teams were given 12 clues that led them to 12 different activities to complete.

"People who enjoy the triathlon thought that this was a bit more fun," said Mr. Gahagan.

The winning team, the 66th Training Squadron, finished in 2 hours, 34 minutes, even though the race was allotted 12 hours.

"Nobody thought it would take two and a half hours, you can't stop them," said Mr. Gahagan.

The 92nd Medical Support Squadron took second runner-up completing the race in 3:37.

"We focused on having a good time and being an example of good sportsmanship, and we did that," said second runner-up Capt. Peter French, resource management and Information Systems Flight commander.

The first and second runners-up both received trophies for their accomplishment.

The Humvee challenge, which required the teams to pull a Humvee 75 yards then push it back to its original location was both Captain French and Mr. Gahagan's favorite event. "They had something waiting for them," he said.

"(The Humvee) was heavy," said Captain French. "I thought that this would be a fun way to spend time with the people I work with and do something fun... I definitely would do it again."

Next year's Great Race is scheduled for July.

"Next year will be better. We'll use every square acre of Fairchild and a good portion will be off base - you will be using the entire 12 hours," said Mr. Gahagan.

"There were four ingredients that made this event a success: No one got hurt, everyone was able to solve the clues, everyone was able to do the activities and everyone had fun," he said. "It was an overall great event for the folks."