No wonder only the hardy need “enlist” for this obstacle course. Attended my first ever Beat Cancer Boot Camp 5K Obstacle Challenge, and was I impressed with the physical fitness of the over 750 participants. There were about 60 teams (usually 5 per team)with Tucson Electric Power (10 teams) and Sunquest Information Systems (6 teams) leading the pack.

“Sarge” Anita Kellman welcomed everyone very early (about 7:30 a.m.) yesterday morning March 17 at the Brandi Fenton Memorial Park. Friend of Beat Cancer Boot Camp District 4 Pima County Supervisor Ray Carroll thanked all the sponsors and others who made this 4th Annual event possible, followed by the Tucson Fire Department Color Guard and a Scottish bagpipe player.

When “Sarge” asked how many people knew someone who had survived cancer, almost everyone raised their hand. All photos below (except for last one) courtesy of Dave Johnson.

"Sarge" and Supervisor Carroll on the stage

Then “Sarge” Anita plus three guest U.S. Olympians and National champions led the group in calisthenics prior to the start of the obstacle run/walk.

From what I saw at the very first of 10 obstacles in this 5K challenge, and again at the two in the Rillito River sand bed 1/2 way point by Rio Vista Park (north Tucson Blvd.) this is a grueling, exciting event. The Rillito River sand bed obstacles were — tire runs, a serpentine course around cones, over straw bales followed by an FBI door breach; then another obstacle up in the park: Ammo can 45 lb. lifts, tire run, push ups, more straw bales, tire jump.

FBT breach wall at half way point in Rillito River

The final obstacles were tire runs, then climbing through the back door of a police SWAT car, followed by the last obstacle, the infamous mud pit crawl under wires to reach the Finish Line. Whew. I watched the first few young men (and a woman) come in before I raced over to see the last few participants finish up that portion of the challenge at the Rio Vista Park area. The photos below of the mud pit say it all:

"Sarge" encouraging partcipants at the mud pit

Congrads to “Team Samsar (Southern AZ Mounted Search & Rescue)” consisting of 3 team members who participated wearing St. Patrick’s Day green boas, crowns, glasses, & red tshirts – Nancy, Donita & Charlotte. And congrads also to young professional “Team Name” – Jennifer, John, Jasmine, Jaimee, & Deanna. And kudos to Diane Manriquez (photo below courtesy of Rose Mary Vaughn) at Sunquest for organizing their 6 teams. Not sure I would have recognized any of them after that mud pit.

Congratulations to all the participants, especially the breast cancer survivors, for completing this tough 5K obstacle challenge!

And thanks to all the 100 volunteers who helped with this event and at the obstacle courses, including a friend Tori, a former Marine.

Photos above (except for last one) shot by Tucson photographer Dave Johnson, www.photographybydavejohnson.com, phone 520-275-3921, email: dave@photographybydavejohnson.com.