MARINE CORPS AIR STATION CHERRY POINT, N.C. -- Fitness enthusiasts tested their physical endurance during the 19th annual Sprint Triathlon/Relay, Aug. 18, at Marine Corps Air Station Cherry Point, North Carolina.
The triathlon put participants through a rigorous course consisting of a 400-meter swim, a 10-mile bike ride, and a three-mile run. The triathlon is intended to bring together all levels of athletes in the local Cherry Point community.
“This is a great place for people who are in good shape or are trying to get in good shape,” said retired Lt. Col. Rodolfo Quispe. “People from different athletic backgrounds were able to participate and it is great for the community.”
Around 80 participants came out to give it their all in the searing North Carolina sun.
According to Quispe, he came out to have a good time and enjoy the weather, terrain and the company of other competitors.
“It’s a melting pot of different military branches, their family, and some civilian employees,” said Bernadine Crosby, the special event coordinator with Cherry Point’s Marine Corps Community Services. “It gives people a chance to liaison and network with other fitness gurus. People that usually do triathlons and those first-timers get to network and see the military community and civilian community coming together as one.”
Athletes competed in nine categories. The winning categories were divided up by age and gender with overall females 1st through 3rd and overall males 1st through 3rd getting trophies. Jamie Ash and Edward Mcdermott won 1st place for the overall female and male category.
According to Crosby, it gives service members another way to exercise and to be mission ready while giving them a chance to meet other individuals who like the same kind of sports they do.