JOINT BASE SAN ANTONIO-LACKLAND, Texas –
The 802nd Force Support Squadron and its staff members hosted its own version of the Amazing Race Sept. 18 here, the Joint Base San Antonio-Lackland Community Quest Race.
Beginning at the Gillum Fitness Center, the five competing teams were given 15 obstacles to complete. Within each obstacle were clues that the teams had to figure out to lead them from one objective to the next.
Teams began the challenge by doing a series of exercises at the Gillum Fitness Center and concluded with a three-part obstacle at the Warhawk Softball Field where they had to go through an inflatable obstacle course, complete an egg relay race, and race on skis.
The 331st Training Squadron 'Wolf Pack' was the first unit to complete the obstacles with a time of four hours and 14 minutes to win the inaugural race. The 342nd TRS did not trail too far behind, as they earned a second place finish with a time of four hours and 29 minutes.
"We were just excited to be able to come together as a group and work hard to achieve something," Tech Sgt. Christopher Spradley, 331st TRS, said. "Today was a fun day that really rewarded us."
Spradley's teammate, Tech Sgt. Brian Rios, said the team's achievement was great and wasn't easy to accomplish.
"We all pushed and pulled through," Rios said. "I think the whole race brought us together. All the physical challenges were taxing but fun at the same time."
Rios said the toughest part of the race was the long run/walk from JBSA-Lackland Outdoor Recreation, where the team had to complete a paintball obstacle, to the Warhawk Pool.
He said the plan is for the 331st TRS to defend its crown in next year's race.
Percy Lewis, Arnold Hall Community Center programmer and the event's organizer, credited the 802nd FSS, his co-workers, and other volunteers for helping him coordinate the event.
After three months of planning and tweaking the event, Lewis said he was happy with how the final race turned out.
"I think everybody did a great job," he said "There are many lessons to be taken from this race so we can be better prepared for next year."
Lewis said it will continue to take a lot of teamwork and commitment from everyone to make the race better next year, which he promises it will be.
He would like to broaden the scope of the race by using the Medina and Kelly areas. Lewis believes it could help participants who aren't too familiar with the base get acquainted with it.
"After participants have run and walked through different areas on the base that they weren't aware of before, they are now more familiar with where a lot of places on the base are located," Lewis said.