Not Your Normal PT – U.S. 4th Fleet Hosts Ultramarathon

Photo By Petty Officer 1st Class Anna Liesa Hussey | 200228-N-YZ222-0053 MAYPORT, Fla. (February 28, 2020) U.S. Naval Forces Southern Command/U.S. 4th Fleet hosts “First Ever Last Annual Ultramarathon" aboard U.S. Naval Station Mayport. U.S. Naval Forces Southern Command /FOURTHFLT supports USSOUTHCOM joint and combined military operations by employing maritime forces in cooperative maritime security operations in order to maintain access, enhance interoperability, and build enduring partnerships that foster regional security and promote peace, stability, and prosperity in the Caribbean, Central and South American regions.(U.S. Navy Photo by Mass Communication Specialist 2nd Class Anna-Liesa Hussey/Released)  

MAYPORT , FL, UNITED STATES

02.29.2020

Courtesy Story

U.S. Naval Forces Southern Command / U.S. 4th Fleet

Mayport, Fla. – U.S. Naval Forces Southern Command/U.S. 4th Fleet hosted the “First Ever Last Annual Ultramarathon” aboard U.S. Naval Station Mayport, Florida, February 28-29.

Eighty-five people from more than a dozen military units braved dark skies and cold winter winds to compete and complete the race.

Teams were comprised of up to six people who ran, jogged, or walked the nearly one mile figure-eight loop for 12 hours, from evening colors to just before sunrise. Each lap completed by a participant added to a team’s score. The ultramarathon also featured a division for solo runners, as three Sailors took the challenge to complete laps all night long.

“While we counted laps, the real goal was challenging ourselves, building camaraderie, and celebrating service with a little adventure,” said Rear Adm. Don Gabrielson, USNAVSO/U.S. 4th Fleet Commander.

Participants included Sailors and civilians from Mayport, Naval Air Station Jacksonville, Special Operations Command South from Homestead, Florida, and U.S. Coast Guard commands in Miami and Savannah, Georgia.

All teams were able to set up support camps for rest and relaxation during the event. U.S. 4th Fleet Sailors, including partner nation liaison officers and their families, cheered on the participants throughout the night, with music and refreshments available at the conclusion of every lap.

At the end of 12 hours, the U.S. Coast Guard Team had completed 279 laps to take home the team title.

“It was tough. No sleep, that was the hard part,” said Dawn Prebula, U.S. Coast Guard District Seven. “The darkness added an extra element to it.”

Noel Medina, a team member for the Naval Hospital Jacksonville team said while he has competed in obstacle course races before, he had never completed an ultramarathon.

“The furthest I had run non-stop before here is 17 miles. Everybody’s energy is what kept us all going,” said Medina. “Our team enjoyed chasing the pain, it fuels the fire.”

The “50-plus” team, comprised of U.S. 4th Fleet Sailors and civilians, took second place, completing 259 laps. Patrol Squadron Eight’s (VP-8) “Fighting Tigers” captured third place, completing 208 laps.

Of the solo performers, Petty Officer Brittany Harrison of the Helicopter Maritime Strike Squadron Four Six “Grandmasters,” completed 56 laps in 12 hours and Petty Officer Brandon Miguelino of the USS Sioux City (LCS 11) Gold Crew completed 54 laps in 12 hours.
“Our first ever last annual ultramarathon totally exceeded every expectation,’ said Gabrielson. “Everyone had a great time, and we’ve already had requests to sign up for the second to last annual race.

U.S. Naval Forces Southern Command/U.S. 4th Fleet employs maritime forces in cooperative maritime security operations in order to maintain access, enhance interoperability, and build enduring partnerships that foster regional security in the USSOUTHCOM AOR.

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For more news from U.S. Naval Forces Southern Command/U.S. 4th Fleet, visit www.navy.mil/local/cusns/.

• Date Taken: 02.29.2020
• Date Posted: 03.03.2020 08:47
• Story ID: 364309
• Location: MAYPORT , FL, US