MacDill hosts Gladiator Assault Challenge

  • Published
  • By Airman 1st Class Ashley Perdue
  • 6th Air Mobility Wing Public Affairs
MACDILL AIR FORCE BASE, Fla. --  The 6th Air Mobility Wing hosted a Gladiator Assault Challenge that tested participants on endurance, speed, strength and agility at MacDill Air Force Base, Florida, May 19, 2017.

“What started out four years ago as a competition between the 6th AMW, U.S. Central Command, U.S. Special Operations Command and Joint Communications Support Element, the Gladiator Assault Challenge expanded to all of MacDill’s members to provide them the opportunity to build their own teams and challenge each individual’s physical fitness,” said Staff Sgt. Christopher Gilbert, fitness programs manager assigned to the 6th Force Support Squadron.

The Gladiator Challenge began with a 5K run starting at Seascapes to a turn-around point from the golf course, which led to the obstacle course set up on Marina Beach. Once the participants completed the obstacles, the race ended with an additional 5K run on the original course.

A total of nine, four-man teams competed in the challenge. Participants were not allowed to move on to the next obstacle until the entire team finished.

According to Gilbert, the obstacle course contained six, body-weight exercises and six obstacles to include, tire flips, jumping barricades, kettle-bell farmers walk, flutter kicks, bear crawls, crab walks, box jumps and more.

“I would say the most difficult part of the race was the last leg of the race,” said Staff Sgt. Kari Rivera, the NCO in charge of Protocol assigned to the 6th Air Mobility Wing protocol office. “After running a 5K and completing intense obstacles, it was difficult to find the motivation to complete another 5K, and my teammates did a great job of encouraging me to strongly finish the race.”

Once all teams completed the final 5K, everyone met up on the beach for a final group photo and prizes. The first place team received an Ice Mule portable cooler, and the second place team won a 21oz. Hydro Flask liquid container.

“The Short Fitness Center staff did exceptionally well at enhancing MacDill Airman’s morale and encouraging physical activity,” said Rivera. “I appreciate leadership and the fitness center staff’s involvement in producing the Gladiator Challenge.”