Swamp Romp Hawaii adventurers get down n' dirty

[thedrifter]

Swamp Romp Hawaii adventurers get down n' dirty
Submitted by: MCB Hawaii
Story Identification Number: 200385121557
Story by Cpl. Jason E. Miller



MARINE CORPS BASE HAWAII, KANEOHE BAY, Hawaii(July 26, 2003) -- The 9th Annual Combat Service Support Group 3 Swamp Romp made a muddy splash aboard MCB Hawaii, Kaneohe Bay, Saturday, as more than 1,000 thrill-seeking fitness nuts from around the island came aboard the base to get down and dirty.

After tons of preparation by CSSG-3 personnel, the five-mile mud course, laid with deep trenches, awaited the competitors' attempts at finishing the race.

Nearly 200 teams registered to compete in the event that took all entrants nearly an hour to complete. Comprised of six-person teams, the Swamp Romp's more than 1,200 competitors trudged through deep sand, mud pits, man-made obstacles and even ocean surf for more than five miles to reach the finish.

The course, while designed for anyone to compete, still offered a huge challenge to even the fittest athlete. Some areas required participants to swim through mud after being drenched with a fire hose.

Teamwork was the main area of focus, though, as the race is not finished until the final member of the team crosses the finish line. Teamwork is also needed to help racers get over several man-made obstacles put on the course.

At the end of the romp, racers were greeted with fresh showers, live music and an awards ceremony to honor the top placers in the event.

"The Swamp Romp is generally held in March or April, but was pushed back due to several deployments and world events this year," said Steve Kalnasy, varsity sports coordinator for Marine Corps Community Services. "Up until a couple weeks ago, we only had about 15 teams registered, and things were looking bleak. But, it really turned out to be a huge success."

This year, more than half of the nearly 200 teams came from places other than MCB Hawaii.

"It gives people a chance to know what it feels like to be in the military; that's really its biggest draw," said Kalnasy. "The Swamp Romp is really a great way for the Corps and the community to come together every year."




Staying mud-free during the Combat Service Support Group 3 "Swamp Romp," July 26, wasn't an option, so some runners simply dove head-first into the wet dirt to try and get as filthy as possible.
Photo by: Cpl. Jason E. Miller




Contestants in the Combat Service Support Group 3 "Swamp Romp" swam through more than three feet of pure mud. Many competitors found themselves immersed and nearly stuck in the wet silt at Marine Corps Base Hawaii, Kaneohe Bay.
Photo by: Cpl. Jason E. Miller


Sempers,

Roger