‘Tour de Scott’ event scheduled for Aug. 27

Do you have what it takes to compete with the top Surface Warrior?

Military Surface Deployment and Distribution Command’s commanding general has issued a challenge to participate in a new athletic competition—the Surface Warrior Challenge I “Tour de Scott.”

The event will take place at 7 a.m. Aug. 27 at Scott AFB and is open to all military and DoD civilians assigned to the base. It is free to participate.

The Surface Warrior Challenge I consists of a mini and a full-distance triathlon, with both individual and team categories. The mini-distance competitors will be required to complete a 100 meter swim, 10.6 kilometer bike ride, and 1.6 km run. Full-distance competitors will swim 500 meters, bike 31.8 km, and run 5km.

SDDC Commanding General Maj. Gen. Kurt Ryan is the driving force behind the event and plans to compete in the full-distance category.

“It’s all about the team,” Ryan said. “I put together these events for the Surface Warriors to be challenged and to build teamwork and camaraderie.”

While Ryan is the motivation behind the event, Capt. Cherry Black, SDDC’s Headquarters and Headquarters Detachment commander, is making the challenge a reality.

“We have put together a plan that involves many agencies on Scott Air Force Base with the intent of putting on a world-class event,” said Black.

The base pool will be the starting point, transition area, finishing line, and cheering section for the entire event.

“I want this to be fun, with competitors riding and running through the transition area each lap,” said Ryan.

“If you don’t want to compete, come out and cheer on the participants,” Black said.

Individuals can choose to compete solo, or as part of a team for the mini, or full multisport event.

“Finishing is winning,” concluded Ryan.

For more event details and to sign-up for this free event, competitors can find Surface Warrior Challenge fliers at the base gyms, pool, or at SDDC headquarters.

To register, people scan and email their completed entry form to the following email address: usarmy.scott.sddc.mbx.events@mail.mil.

This story was originally published August 5, 2016 at 10:47 AM with the headline "‘Tour de Scott’ event scheduled for Aug. 27."