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Run amuck: Muddy obstacle course challenges racers

Run amuck: Muddy obstacle course challenges racers
Civilian Military Combine

Regular Joes take on G.I. Joes!

Brooklynites who want to test their mettle can compete against basic-training toughened troops at the Civilian Military Combine race at Fort Hamilton base on Sept. 10. The five-mile course will combine mud-covered obstacles with a fitness and weight-lifting segment designed to test every aspect of a competitor’s fitness, said the designer of the run.

“There are many mud runs but what makes this unique is the cross-fit,” said Garfield Griffiths. “The Civilian Military Combine race levels the playing field for people who can obstacle and people who can run.”

Organizers are trucking in five tons of mud for the 26-part obstacle course, where military and civilian men and women will run, climb, reach, slide, and lift their way through the track. A cleaning station is available after the muddy portion, said Griffiths.

But before the race starts, a fitness area dubbed “The Pit” will divide participants by body weight and challenge them to lift and stretch for a portion of their final score.

Griffiths expects that most participants will already be fairly fit, but advises those considering tackling the race have “a couple months of running to get your endurance up.”

But participants who are not in the peak of physical prowess can still join in, and they will find encouragement along the obstacle route, Griffiths said. Even though there can only be one winner, the competition is always friendly.

“There will be military guys there high-fiving people,” he said. “The great thing about Civilian Military Combine is that everyone is there to help each other. It’s very full of camaraderie and motivation.”

The event also makes an excellent goal for those starting a new workout regime.

“It’s absolutely for someone trying to get into fitness,” said Griffiths. “It’s fun and you make new friends. We welcome the newest.”

The very newest participants — those aged 4 to 14 — can race on a one-mile, less-intense course, with an area for parents to watch.

A festival with food and music will welcome those who cross the finish line. Portions of the proceeds from the race will go the Morale, Welfare, and Recreation Fund for troops at the Fort Hamilton Army Base.

“The Civilian Military Combine” at Fort Hamilton Base [Fort Hamilton Parkway and 101st Street in Bay Ridge, (718) 630–4771, www.cmcrace.com]. Sept. 10, 8 am–3 pm. $119 ($25 kids, $20 spectators).

Up and over: Obstacle participant races to climb over a wooden hurdle at a previous Civilian Military Combine race.
Civilian Military Combine