Marine Corps News, news from Iraq - Marine Corps Times

Quick Links

http://www.marinecorpstimes.com/news/2007/10/military_wildernesschallenge_071007/
news/2007/10/military_wildernesschallenge_071007

Marine team wins Wilderness Challenge


By Andrew deGrandpre - Staff writer
Posted : Wednesday Oct 10, 2007 5:44:05 EDT

FAYETTEVILLE, W.Va. — The Marines are this year’s Wilderness Challenge champs.

A four-person team comprising leathernecks stationed all around the country ended the competition Saturday with a first-place showing in the two-day event’s final (and arguably most punishing) race: a 14-mile, largely uphill slog through West Virginia’s share of the Appalachian Mountains. They knocked it out in 2 hours and 26 minutes.

A team representing the Navy took second place overall, finishing less than two minutes behind the leaders’ total time. Last year’s champs, a Coast Guard crew, earned third place this year, more than 15 minutes off the Marines’ time.

Navy and Coast Guard teams also placed fourth and fifth, respectively.

The top Air Force team finished in seventh place; the best Army showing was good for 12th.

The Wilderness Challenge, now in its seventh year, is billed as a team outdoor adventure competition for all five branches of the armed forces.

Forty-six squads — including four representing NATO — participated. The top NATO team placed 14th.

The event is held each fall along the New and Gauley rivers in southern West Virginia, about an hour south of the state capital, Charleston. It consists of six races spanning nearly 54 miles overall: one on bikes, two on foot and three in the water.

Saturday’s competition began at 7:15 a.m., soon after sunrise, and ended with an awards presentation more than 12 hours later.

For more information, visit the Wilderness Challenge Web site, http://www.wildernesschallenge.net.



M. Scott Mahaskey / Staff Participants raft during the Wilderness Challenge in West Virginia. A Marine team claimed top honors in the two-day event, which also featured a 14-mile, largely uphill slog through the Appalachian Mountains.

Contests and Promotions

CFC Info Center


Check out our in-depth guide to the Combined Federal Campaign.

Give The Gift Of Marine Corps Times


promo Holiday gift shopping has never been easier! An ideal gift for our men and women stationed overseas. Order your gift subscription here.

Marketplace

Military Times Gear Shop


Converse  8 Sage Green Composite Safety Toe Boot Converse 8 Sage Green Composite Safety Toe Boot
Authentic Converse® athletic fit, comfort and performance with tactical design and non-metallic safety toe.

Price: $122.99

Military Discounts


Save on your purchases!
In honor of your military service, you can find regular and name brand products at a special discount.

Shoplocal

  Shop Local
Local Online Deals
Find the best deals at your local stores.