CAMP HANSEN, OKINAWA, Japan -- Status of forces agreement personnel and local nationals island-wide came together at the Camp Hansen House of Pain gym to participate in the Earth Day Tri-Ekiden Relay Race April 18.
More than 40 teams mustered outside the House of Pain to test their physical and mental endurance.
Each team consisted of three individuals who either participated in the run, swim or bike portion of the race.
The run and bike portion were each 10 kilometers long, and the swim portion was 400 meters in distance.
The race was broken into separate divisions, which were the mountain bike and road bike divisions.
The divisions were then again broken down into male, female, youth and mixed gender categories.
“This is normally an annual event,” said Duane Waybright, sports specialist for Marine Corps Community Services. “We plan on holding another one in June.”
There was a good turnout at this event which would explain the annual title being dropped for the semiannual title, Waybright said.
It’s a good time; this event really brings everyone together, said Jason Myers, assistant athletic director for the House of Pain.
“The Tri-Ekiden is unique,” said Myers. “Traditionally an Ekiden is a relay race, and a triathlon is usually a run, swim and bike but with only one person.”
By bringing these two events together, we also brought the locals together with the SOFA status personnel, added Myers. Even though this was an athletic event, it allowed the two communities to interact and learn about each other the way a Marine would, through physical training.
“I enjoyed myself,” said Marcus Muniz, a member of the Blood Angel team. “These types of events are fun to me.”
MCCS will host another Tri-Ekiden Relay Race June 13. All teams must be registered by June 7.
For more information, go to www.mccsokinawa.com or call 623-4831.