Photo courtesy of the EOD Warrior Foundation
The EOD Warrior Foundation will host the 12th Annual EOD Memorial Challenge on Saturday, April 29, 2017. The event will feature a 4.25 ruck, 0.5 mile swim, and 3.25 mile run. Day of Registration and late packet pick up beings at 6:30 a.m. and is located in front of NAVSCOLEOD. The event start time is 8:00 a.m. directly in front of the EOD Memorial, located on Range Road in Niceville, Fla., Finish line and after race celebration located at LJ Schooners Restaurant and Marina in Niceville, where there will be food, beverages, and awards.
“This is an event we look forward to every year. Not only for the challenges it presents, but for the fun and camaraderie that is had by all that participate and observe.” explains Melissa Tackitt, Memorial Care and Events Coordinator for the EOD Warrior Foundation. “If you want a challenge and to meet new people that are equally dedicated to a little self punishment, this is the event for you. Not only is it fun, challenging, and very rewarding, it also benefits a great cause.”
Participants will make their way through the trails at Fred Gannon Rocky Bayou State Park, while carrying a 30 lb (men) or 15 lb (women) backpack. Next will be a short swim using any floatation device you require to get down the Rocky Bayou Inlet. The event concludes with an easy 5K where a cheering crowd awaits your arrival at the finish line. Trophies will be awarded to the top overall male and female, the top three males and females from in their age groups, and top team. All funds raised from the event supports the EOD Warrior Foundation’s mission of helping EOD warriors and their families.
Registration for the event is $35 per person, and early registrants are guaranteed to receive an event koozie. All participants should bring a second pair of running shoes and flotation devices, if required, a snorkel and fins, water wings, or inflatables. The race can be completed as an individual or team. There is a six-person team minimum for the race, and everyone must finish together. The ruck race involves each of the team members taking their turn to carry the weight through their leg of the race.
“Whether you want to take the challenge alone or with a team you are going to love this event,” added Tackitt. “This is a great team building experience and benefits our EOD warriors at the same time. It is beneficial all around, especially those that take the step to participate.”
To learn more or register for the 12th Annual EOD Memorial Challenge, log onto the website: http://www.eodwarriorfoundation.org/events.
The EOD Warrior Foundation is an organization that helps the families of the 7,000 men and women in our military who are Explosive Ordnance Disposal (EOD) technicians, and perform bomb disposal duties. The EOD Warrior Foundation helps this elite group by providing financial relief, therapeutic healing retreats, a scholarship program, care of the EOD Memorial Wall located at Eglin AFB, Fla. and more. Their work is supported by private donations and the generosity of those who support the organization. To learn more about the EOD Warrior Foundation, or see their fundraising events calendar, visit their site at: www.eodwarriorfoundation.org.
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