Photo By Master Sgt. Mark Bell | Capt. Eli Adams, 84th Engineer Battalion, begins the final stretch of the 5-kilometer run. Adams finished tenth overall. see less
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by Sgt. Kevin McSwain
210th Mobile Public Affairs Detachment
LSA ANACONDA, Iraq " The sun had not yet made its appearance. The competitors were standing around talking as if with old friends on a Saturday morning.
The pool was just as calm; not even the slightest ripple could be seen. Its edges were dry as the sand outside. It was hard to tell this was the start of the Patriotic Biathlon here.
The July 15 biathlon, sponsored by 21st Cargo Company, 548th Logistical Task Force, consisted of an 800 meter swim followed by a five kilometer run, said 1st Lt. Brian Furber.
Servicemembers raced the clock instead of each other. "Participants are staggered into the race, with one Soldier leaving every 60 seconds," he said.
Servicemembers competed for overall titles as well as the top three male and female finishers. The top three overall finishers were: Joe Kodnovich, 0:33:22. John Ryan, 0:38:11. Ted Hammond, 0:38:49.
The top three female finishers were: Emily Steinfort, 0:40:41. Shannon Faber, 0:41:56. Brenda McCabe.
