SCHRIEVER AIR FORCE BASE, Colo. -- The 50th Force Support Squadron is scheduled to host its second annual Dry Triathlon Sept. 25 outside the base fitness center from 7:30 a.m. – 12:30 p.m.
The event is similar to a regular triathlon, except the dry-tri does not include swimming or water-based competitions.
Competitors will complete a 5K run, 2,000 meters on a rowing machine and 300 body squats and Mark Schuette, 50th FSS assistant fitness and sports manager, said he expects participants will finish within an hour of their start time.
“This is an excellent opportunity for the Schriever community,” he said “This is a chance to get out of the office or break away from teleworking, enjoy some friendly competition, and, hopefully, alleviate some stress and anxiety.”
CJ Thornton, 50th FSS recreation assistant and sports representative, said Schriever is one of the few bases still holding competitions during the COVID-19 pandemic.
Garrison leadership has limited numerous activities and required Airmen to telework for periods of time and maintain physical distancing guidelines in response to COVID-19. However, the fitness staff works to ensure everyone is safe during their events.
“Obviously, [our events are] modified heavily to make sure everyone is safe,” Thornton said. “[The dry-triathlon] is good for everyone to be able to get away from the office, teleworking, meetings, whatever their job is. To get out and get some fresh air and push themselves and to see where they’re sitting is important right now.”
Since the dry-tri takes place outdoors, Schuette said COVID-19 will not affect any aspect of the event.
In addition to being outside, Schuette said each rowing machine will be several feet apart and sanitized after each use. The event also will take place in blocks to limit Airmen in the area.
“We’ll have a group start at 7:30 (a.m.), 8:30, 9:30, so on and so forth,” Thornton said. “That gives us time to clean and allow things to dry so they’re ready to go for the next person. You can also walk around and breathe without a mask on. If you want to feel a little more safety in that element, you can wear a mask.”
The fitness staff understands it’s not only important to hold the event to keep Airmen fit, but also to curb any monotony caused by COVID-19.
“We’re all making sure we do everything we can for our jobs and making sure we stay as vigilant with cleaning, masks and [physical] distancing to make sure we get through these tough times,” Thornton said. “Allowing people to come out and push themselves in a physical element relieves mental stress they might not have known they had.”
Those interested in the event must sign up before noon Sept. 18. For more information regarding the dry-tri or to sign up for the event, contact Schuette at mark.schuette.1@us.af.mil or Seth Cannello, 50th FSS fitness and sports director, at seth.cannello@us.af.mil.