Take the Boot Camp Challenge

Do you have what it takes? (Photo by The U.S. Army via Flickr)

Have you ever wondered what it is like to go through boot camp when joining the military?

It has been said that the Marines push new recruits through some of the toughest training courses created. Once a year, the MCRD opens the base and welcomes the public to test their endurance and strength on the Marine’s  obstacle field. This Saturday, September 26 strap on those running shoes, don’t forget to stretch, and prepare to get dirty.

This training course is no ordinary field. Regular men and women are transformed on this site every day into United States Marines.

Coming across a Marine in San Diego isn’t hard; it is even harder to find one out of shape.  When it comes to training, they mean business.  The training course is 3 miles. It will defiantly leave you sore in the morning after climbing, jumping, and surviving over 50 obstacles along the way.

Drill Instructors know how to give motivation ( Photo by larryzou@ via Flickr)

Oh, and don’t think cheating is an option.  Cheating is never an option for the military.  PLENTY of very well trained and experienced drill sergeants will be along the course offering their “support.” Don’t let this deter you from coming out and experiencing this once a year event.  Just remind yourself it’s only one day. And unlike the military, you get to go home afterward.  Plus, this is a great way to support our men and women in the military.

To congratulate everyone for coming out, plenty of other activities will be going on as well.  Music, food, drinks and beer will also be offered during the day along with awards to the top 3 finishers in each category/age group, including official race T-Shirts to all entrants. The event is not only open to individuals, but boot camp challengers can group up into teams of three or five.

Online registration is open until the end of today, September 24.  Registration is $35 for individuals, $105 for 3-person teams, and $175 5-person teams.  The race begins at 9 a.m. on Saturday with five-minute intervals for each group and class.  There are over 3,000 entrants expected so make sure to arrive early.

To sign up or learn more about the Boot Camp Challenge, check out www.bootcampchallenge.com.