RANDOLPH AIR FORCE BASE, Texas –
Registration to sign up for the Rambler 120 triathlon is currently underway and while several teams have already signed up, officials are seeking more Team Randolph members looking for a challenge.
Officials hope more challengers will follow suit in signing up for the triathlon that takes place Oct. 18 at Canyon Lake, on the grounds of the Randolph Recreation Park.
The competitive field will feature two divisions: five-to-eight person relay and four-person X-treme teams.
"I've got seven teams actually signed-up with entry fees paid and another four that have committed," said Steve Knechtel, 12th Services Squadron and Rambler 120 project officer. "There will be more commitments in coming weeks and we typically see this sort of late response."
Deadline for entry is today, but late entrants will be considered, as Mr. Knechtel described the cut-off date as "somewhat flexible." He added that 12th Services Squadron has information on a handful of individuals looking to join teams. One is Capt. Eric Boyer, a chaplain with the 12th FTW and veteran of many master's division road races.
"I normally run an 8-minute mile and would like to compete in the X-treme category, but I am flexible," Captain Boyer said. "I have done several triathlons and marathons, so I hope to become part of a team and compete in the Rambler 120."
Last year there were 40 teams and it split down the middle with 20 X-treme and 20 relay, Mr. Knechtel said.
"A lot of people have been busy focusing on Operational Readiness Inspection preparations and Hurricane Ike relief," Mr. Knechtel said. "There has been a lot going on and many people simply haven't had time to get teams together and sign up, I think."
Participants will endure 22 miles of biking, six miles of running, two miles of rafting and a mystery event.
Col. Jacqueline Van Ovost, 12th Flying Training Wing commander, is heading up one of the teams already entered. Another group has signed up from Lackland Air Force Base and, here on Randolph, the "Support Officers Acting Like Athletes" squad contains two people who competed last year.
"The Rambler is pretty hard to do ... I wouldn't call it easy," said Maj. Lance Campbell, AFPC/DPAS support officer assignments. "The transitioning between the different events is the biggest challenge. Your legs really get put to the test."
For more information on how to sign up, call 652-6508 or send an email to
Stephen.knechtel@randolph.af.mil.