Photo By Staff Sgt. Jessica Elbouab | Team members from the National Guard’s All Guard Endurance Team pose for a photo at...... read more read more
SCOTTSDALE, Ariz. – The National Guard’s All Guard Endurance Team’s presence was undeniable when looking at the results of the Spartan Super & Sprint races hosted at Fort McDowell, Nov. 6-7.
According to race.spartan.com, the Sprint is a 5K trail run with 20 obstacles, held on off-road terrain featuring water and mud. The Super obstacles are more difficult compared to shorter Spartan races and the course covers 10K in trail distance. There are Super-specific obstacles to tackle, and elevation gain will often be more demanding.
In addition to taking the overall first place podium for both events, the team secured second place for overall elite female in the Super, as well as seven additional Soldiers taking the podium for top three category finishers across the two days.
Out of the 1,895 competitors for the Spartan Super, six National Guard team members ranked top ten. 1,522 racers battled for the top spot in the Spartan Sprint, and four All Guard members secured top ten spots.
The National All Guard Endurance Team is one of several military competitive teams that Guard members can try out for. It is the newest of the teams and gaining momentum quickly.
“The thing that I enjoy most about being on the endurance team is being surrounded by a bunch of motivated individuals,” said Sgt. Baily Ruff, a South Dakota National Guardsman. “Every couple of months I am surrounded by a group where everybody's motivated, everybody goes hard, everybody trains hard, and it refuels the motivation that I have for my personal goals.”
However, their success is garnishing attention, and with that comes a higher level of competition. It is clear by the standings that many team members know their biggest competition is standing to their left and right.
The team is hosting their bi-annual tryouts in Austin, Texas, January 15-16, 2022. The event will be a DEKA-FIT (the Decathlon of Functional Fitness), by Spartan Race. The 12-event, 5K course tests participants with functional fitness challenges that anyone can do.
“Being on the endurance team has been a challenge for me as a road runner but it is fun to come out and compete in different events, at a different athletic level,” said Capt. Travis Kitchener, a Nebraska National Guardsman. “The camaraderie the team brings, and the ability to compete has definitely contributed to me extending my career in the Guard and continuing to serve.”
The team will be selected by the top placing 40 males, 15 females, and three participants over 55 years old.
Soldiers can contact Sgt. 1st. Class Douglas D. Stephens, National Guard Military Competitions at (402) 309-8313 for more information on representing their state and supporting the All Guard Endurance Team.
| Date Taken: | 11.07.2021 |
| Date Posted: | 11.30.2021 13:53 |
| Story ID: | 410170 |
| Location: | SCOTTSDALE, ARIZONA, US |
| Web Views: | 129 |
| Downloads: | 0 |
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