Combat Center runners compete in race series

Photo By Cpl. D. J. Wu | The Marine Unmanned Aerial Vehicle Squadron 3 team stretches after completing the six-mile race at the Desert Winds Golf Course Nov. 1.  

TWENTYNINE PALMS, CA, UNITED STATES

11.01.2012

Story by Lance Cpl. D. J. Wu 

Marine Corps Air Ground Combat Center

TWENTYNINE PALMS, Calif. - More than 100 runners from the Combat Center came out to the Desert Winds Golf Course to run the first part of the 6-4-8 Race Series Nov. 1, 2012.

The competitors ran a six-mile course through the golf course's 18 holes. Runners competed as teams and individual racers. This race was the first of three races in the series. The other two races are a four-mile run at the Obstacle Course on Nov. 15 and an eight-mile run at the PFT track on Nov. 29.

This is the second time that the cross country race series is taking place at the Combat Center. More races have come up by popular demand and Marine Corps Community Services Semper Fit has heard the call.

“We've been hearing that the people here want more running contests,” said Charles Dougwillow, branch head, Semper Fit. “This race is just one of many that we are starting to roll out for people to participate in.”

“We give out awards for the fastest male and female runners for each race.” Dougwillow said. “The team scores are combined at the end of the series to find out the best team.”

For many of the runners, it is all about the competition. The number of runners is increasing throughout the races. From just the first race of the series, the number of runners has nearly tripled from last year.

“All of these races are a good thing,” said Staff Sgt. Arold Sylvain, motor transport chief, Marine Unmanned Aerial Vehicle Squadron 3. “I’m here to win, for myself and with the team for the squadron.”
Sylvain went on to win the race with a time of 36:40. The female winner was Fabiola Pamatz with a time of 45:25.

“I wish it was a closer race,” Sylvain said. “I race to win and I love the competition.”

• Date Taken: 11.01.2012
• Date Posted: 11.13.2012 01:43
• Story ID: 97678
• Location: TWENTYNINE PALMS, CA, US