RANDOLPH AIR FORCE BASE, Texas –
Athletes are gearing up to run, bike and paddle in the fourth annual Rambler 120 Team Challenge to be held on the north side of Canyon Lake starting at 7 a.m. October 17.
"This is especially beneficial to those military service members who must maintain the stamina, strength and physical conditioning that their military duty demands," said Steve Knechtel, 12th Force Support Squadron chief of Randolph Air Force Base community programs. "Last year, we had 48 teams and 325 participants and we're already getting a lot of phone calls from interested people. Our target this year is to have fifty teams."
Mr. Knechtel said active duty and retired military, Defense Department civilians and military family members from various bases throughout Texas and surrounding states traditionally converge on Canyon Lake's Randolph Recreation Park for the event which begins with a safety briefing, which is preceded by team registration at 6 a.m..
"Besides being a physical challenge, the primary goal of the Rambler 120 is to provide a well-rounded Air Force community program that promotes teamwork," Mr. Knechtel added.
The one-day triathlon event challenges four-person Xtreme teams and eight-person relay teams to three physically demanding, sporting activities, Mr. Knechtel said.
First comes a 22-mile bike race over hill country roads on the north side of Canyon Lake.
He added that this year, there are no restrictions on the type of bike used in the race.
Next comes a six-mile run across Canyon Lake Dam.
Third, there's a two-mile raft race from Jacobs Creek Park back to Randolph AFB's Canyon Lake recreation park.
And finally- just for fun - a Rambler 120 tradition adds a fourth "mystery event" that is thrown into the mix at any time or place as an added hurdle to keep racers on their toes.
Mr. Knechtel added if potential participants are looking for a team to join up with, he already has a pool interested athletes needing teammates. Base-wide e-mails will soon be sent to solicit volunteers to support each event.
"Last year, we had whole families volunteer for those support positions," Mr. Knechtel said. "It takes about 89 people behind the scenes to pull this event off."
He added there will be a 10 a.m. barbecue to commemorate the Rambler 120 after the event closes. it's free to team members, volunteers and children under 12. Others can buy a ticket for $5 if they are aged 12 and up. There will be three kinds of meat, baked beans, potato salad, cole slaw, rolls "and all the fixings, Mr. Knechtel said.
"It's a good spread," he added.
Mr. Knechtel said the time has arrived to make plans to form a team and begin training. He added that there will be three division categories of teams: all-male, all-female and coed teams and the deadline to enter is September 25. Entry forms may be picked up at the Rambler Fitness Center, ITT and online at www.randolphfass.com (under Upcoming Events). The entry fee is $100 per team and awards are presented to the top three teams in each division.
Participants can turn in their entry form at ITT, where teams may pay with cash, credit cards or a check made out to ITT. Additionally, Mr. Knechtel will accept completed entry forms and either cash or checks. They may also be mailed to him at the 12th FSS/FSCP, 415 B St. East, Randolph AFB, TX 78150.
For more information, contact Mr. Knechtel at 652-6508 or through e-mail at stephen.knechtel@randolph.af.mil.