TYNDALL AIR FORCE BASE, Fla. -- Team Tyndall members participated in the inaugural Checkertail Challenge April 1-3, here.
The 3-day competition was comprised of three running events; a 5K, 10k and a 13.1 mile run. All of these events culminated in the “Checker Tailgate;” a post-race festivity that featured bounce houses for children provided by Bonita Bay Outdoor Recreation, and food provided by the Horizon Club staff.
“The purpose of the event was to promote fitness and a healthy lifestyle, while showcasing Tyndall as a premier location for these types of events,” said Senior Master Sgt. Patrick W. Bennett, 325th Force Support Squadron Sustainment Services Flight superintendent.
As the first Checkertail Challenge, the event preparation was not something that happened overnight. Before the event could take place, the course was certified by USA Track and Field and the State of Florida, a certification that is valid for the next 10 years.
“This event was a large-scale coordination effort composed of organizations from across the installation, and it took almost four months to coordinate and execute,” Bennett said. “The committee consisted of a representative from each squadron in the 325th Mission Support Group: 325th Force Support Squadron, 325th Civil Engineer Squadron, 325th Communication Squadron, 325th Security Forces Squadron, 325th Logistics Readiness Squadron and 325th Contacting Squadron.”
Coordination and execution of the first Checkertail Challenge also served as one of Bennett’s last involvements with Tyndall before his retirement.
“I couldn't think of a better way for me to finish my career,” Bennett said. “The event was amazing! The team received lots of positive feedback from the runners for all the hard work they put in over the last four months. I look forward to seeing how this event develops in the years to come.”
Bennett’s enthusiasm for the event was reaffirmed by others.
"This is one of the best organized events I have seen in a long time. It's impressive for being in its first year," said Zane Holscher, International Running Company, LLC.
"From a runner's perspective it was flawless,” said Marissa Clay, Checkertail Challenge participant.
Although the next year’s plans for the Checkertail Challenge are still out for review, Bennett has high hopes for this event.
“Our plan is to grow the event over the next decade with the vision of rivaling the Air Force Marathon,” Bennett said. “We had interest from people all over the country: Washington, Arizona, Oklahoma, Texas, Ohio and Alabama.”
Winners of the overall competition are listed below:
Men’s:
1st Place: Blaine Truman (2:20:20)
2d Place: Myles Tucker (2:32:39)
3rd Place: Alex Jenkins (2:40:15)
Women’s:
1st Place: Michelle Churchman (2:45:01)
2d Place: Aminah Meho (2:54:13)
3rd Place: Stacey Kidd (3:23:27)
For others who competed, a list of your run times can be found by searching “Checktail Challenge” at www.itsyourrace.com.