Want a real hands-on experience honoring the military during San Diego’s Fleet Week? If you’ve ever wondered what a Marine endures during basic training, get down and dirty at the Marine Corps Recruit Depot on Saturday, September 28th, for the 12th Annual Bootcamp Challenge! A grueling three-mile obstacle course pushes its participants to their mental and physical limits, all in the name of charity.
Beginning at 9 a.m., racers will climb, crawl, run and jump through 40 Marine training obstacles along the course, tackling a range of cargo net walls and tunnel crawls, to push-ups and hay jumps. The best (or worst) obstacle along the course - more than 60 Marine Corps Drill Instructors ‘encouraging’ racers through each demanding challenge. In the official style of Marine Corp training, they will show no tolerance for weakness!
Racers will cross the finish line covered in sweat, tears and dirt, but with a sense of accomplishment and success that will wash it all away. Spectators are welcome to cheer on their friends and family through the course, during the only time of year when civilians can gain exclusive, behind-the-scenes access to this renowned base.
Whether running individually, or competing on a three- or five-person team, the course offers a real “in-your-face” experience during Fleet Week. Past teams have included “housewife” gangs, military veterans, workout groups and family units, all together sporting matching attire and positive encouragement. Team members help each other through the treacherous course and must cross the finish line together, maintaining the team mentality of ‘no soldier left behind.’ At the end of the race, an awards ceremony will grant the top three winners from the 29 categories awards for their victories, and recognize the determination and guts it takes to step up to be a “Marine for a morning.”
In reward for their bravery, racers will receive an official Bootcamp Challenge t-shirt, with proceeds benefitting various quality of life programs of the Marine Corps Recruit Depot of San Diego. These programs assist Marines, sailors and their families with services such as community outreach projects, physical activities, social gatherings, personal and professional development, behavioral health and others.
If you are looking for a less hands-in-the-mud experience to support your local troops, the Bootcamp Challenge Post-Race Party is the place to be. Including music, food and drinks, and fun booths, the post-party will allow onlookers and participants to mingle and relax after racers take on an intense morning of training. Also, the post-party is a great way to meet the brave Marines and service members who train hard to defend our country.
To register or find more information, check out www.bootcampchallenge.com and celebrate those in service, by spending a day in their combat training boots. Ooh Rah!