Goodfellow hosts annual triathlon

  • Published
  • By Airman 1st Class Zachary Chapman
  • 17th Training Wing Public Affairs

Members from Goodfellow Air Force Base and San Angelo came out to participate in and show support for the Annual Triathlon at the Goodfellow AFB Recreation Camp July 28.

The triathlon consisted of a 400 meter swim, 20K bike ride followed up by a 5K run. 17th Force Support Squadron Event Coordinator Viviana Widick, noticed an increase in military members among participants.

“We get a lot of people that come out as spectators, but this year we had a lot more military participating,” said Widick. “We had seven teams and a lot more squadron participation.”

Events like this provide a chance for the base and community to compete against each other as well as challenge themselves.

“This event brings a lot of morale to the base, it also combines the community with Goodfellow and helps bring everybody together,” said Widick. “Events like these show comradery, and that we are all in this together. Everybody should try this out at least once, even if you don’t get the time or the place you want, it is still a great experience.”

One individual has been participating in the triathlon since he was nine years old, and his dedication to the event paid off with him taking first within his bracket.

“I have been doing triathlons since I was nine and I plan on completing a full Iron Man and maybe one day in the Olympics,” said triathlon participant Trevor Mullins. “This is my 23rd or 25th race and there is no slowing down. I like competing in the triathlon as part of a family and having everyone here, and everyone cheering you on.

“When I say family I mean every other person that crossed the finish line and all of the people supporting and cheering.”

Awards were handed out to:
Top male overall, Ethan Connor.
Top female overall, Capt. Aubrie Frazier, 17th Medical Support Squadron pharmacy element chief.
Top military male, 2nd Lt. Sam Bessinger, 315th Training Squadron student.
Top military female, Capt. Katherine Ward, 315th TRS 14N Instructor.
The 315th TRS won the top squadron award.

For individuals looking for more events like the triathlon, the 17th FSS will be scheduling more events in the coming months.

“Our next big run will be in October and that will be the Zombie Run which will be open to individuals who have base access,” said Widick. “There will also be a Team Cohesion Challenge, also called Go Ruck, in September and information for that will be placed on the FSS website.”