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20th CPTS races in Mud Run

  • Published
  • By Airman Nicole Sikorski
  • 20th Fighter Wing Public Affairs
COLUMBIA, S.C. --  Twelve Airmen from the 20th Comptroller Squadron participated in the U.S. Marine Corps Mud Run, a 5.2 mile obstacle course, in Columbia, S.C. April 21.

"The Leatherneck" course is held semiannually by the U.S. Marine Corps to raise funds and awareness for wounded warriors and their families in the local area, and to raise funds for college scholarships. Mud Runs have been held across the U.S. and Canada every year since 1993. Due to the growing number of participants, the event now takes place twice a year.

"The size of the event was eye opening," said 2nd Lt. Richard Hozik, 20th CPTS financial flight commander. "The previous Mud Run I ran was only a few hundred people, and over a thousand attended this one."

This all-terrain obstacle course was originally designed by a former Marine drill instructor to challenge teams both physically and mentally. There were 36 obstacles through the course that included mud, holes, walls, trenches and steep hills.

"It was extremely gratifying going through the course," said Staff. Sgt. Cassandra Nutter, 20th CPTS financial manager. "I wouldn't have been able to get through some of the obstacles without my Airmen helping me and pushing me through it. This was the best team work I have ever seen."

"At Air Combat Command, we've taken a proactive approach to increase Airmen resiliency through a culture of Comprehensive Airman Fitness," said Gen. Mike Hostage, ACC commander.

This course was a rigorous and physically demanding challenge for people, Nutter said .

"Crossing the finish line was the most rewarding part," said Airman 1st Class Rachael Herndon, 20th CPTS financial manager. "I definitely got a sense of accomplishment out of this Mud Run. Since I sit at a computer all day, it's nice to know I can go out and do something physically challenging. Everyone should do something like this."