Ruck march tests endurance

by Airman Megan Friedl
375th Air Mobility Wing Public Affairs

5/8/2013 - SCOTT AIR FORCE BASE, Ill. -- Walking 13 miles carrying 45 pounds or more for most people may not be a very enjoyable time, but to some it can be a fun time to spend with friends or co-workers.

Saturday morning at the base parade field began the second annual Scott Bataan Death March Memorial Ruck Challenge.

Candidates who were interested in competing were eligible to compete in three categories. The categories were the different weights of 15, 25 or 40 pounds in their rucks. A few brave service members were even courageous enough to carry more than 100 pounds.

Senior Airman Rainel Manio, 635th Supply Chain Operations Wing, material management, the winner of the heavy weight category carrying 42 pounds won with a time of 2:42.

Manio, who weighs in only at 140 pounds, carried more than a fourth of his body weight on his back. He was very eager to finish strong.

"It was challenging, especially at the last two miles because I had a cramp then," said Manio. "However, I want to get into Special Operations, and I know they can't quit."

Master Sgt. Sloan Cox, 375th Security Forces Squadron, said, "This year it has greatly increased in participation and in contributions that were made. They started charging for registration and also encouraged competitors to carry non-perishable food items in their rucks and to donate them to the Fischer House after the competition."

Maj. Colin McClaskey, Military Surface Deployment and Distribution Command, and his team came out to finish the 13-mile course.

Scott team members and locals came to support the cause, but Whiteman Air Force Base team members also came to compete. "Three guys and a red head" from Whiteman ended up winning the gold for the medium size category.

Second place female finisher, Candi Miner, spouse of Lt. Col. Thomas Miner Jr., said she feels great to have finished as the second female.

She said she mainly came to support her husband, but also to challenge herself.

Tech. Sgt. Lee Phanda, 375th Security Forces Squadron, said, "It was a great way for Airmen to get involved and help out the Wounded Warrior Project, which benefits injured servicemembers."