MARINE CORPS BASE HAWAII -- Civilian and military participants shared flightline space for fitness in the 12th annual Splash & Dash Biathlon, beginning and ending at Hangar 103, aboard Marine Corps Base Hawaii Oct. 3, 2015.
The race, which was open to the public, featured a 500-meter swim and 5-kilometer run down the flightline. The second to last race in the 2015 Commanding Officer’s Fitness Series, the Splash & Dash was a joint effort by Marine Corps Community Services Hawaii and Helicopter Maritime Strike Squadron 37. A portion of the net profits went to the squadron’s unit fund. About 50 “Easyriders” were on the flightline as early as 5 a.m. to volunteer, setting up the race’s course and supporting with various other tasks.
Not a rain cloud lingered in the sky as the men and women kicked up the cold waters of Kaneohe Bay into rough, white foam. Marine Corps Air Station Kaneohe Bay Aircraft Rescue and Firefighting Marines provided a quick rinse for participants with their fire truck hoses.
Navy Lt. Robert Schmidt, a weapons officer stationed aboard the USS O’Kane, came in third place overall, with a time of 32 minutes and 10 seconds. The Kailua, Hawaii resident said this was his first time participating in the Splash and Dash, and that he tries to attend multiple races each year.
“When you hit open flightline, you’re catching the breeze on the way out so that’s definitely a struggle,” Schmidt said. “But conversely on the way back you get the breeze on your back so that makes it nice too. Overall it was a great course. I’m really happy I was able to compete.”
The “Easyriders” participated in the race in addition to volunteering, including Cmdr. Tony Chavez, the commanding officer of HSM-37.
“I had an absolutely great time,” said Navy Lt. Andrew Miller, a naval aviator with HSM-37. “The weather was great.”
This is the second biathlon for Miller, a St. Louis native. Upon reflection after the race, Miller said he needed to start working out earlier prior to future races.
Race participant Petty Officer 3rd Class Jessica Treu charged through the finish line, and took second place in the female ages 20 to 24 division, with a time of 42 minutes and 31 seconds.
The Memphis, Tennessee, native said she was hesitant at first to participate, because she’s a stronger runner than a swimmer. But as she swam out with the other competitors, Treu had a positive experience.
“A lot of people thought it was cold,” she said. “I thought it was great. I saw some pretty cool coral … it wasn’t scary either. I could see the bottom all the way out there, but by that time you’re just sort of (completely engaged) in it, you don’t really notice.”
Part of MCCS Hawaii’s mission is to contribute to the retention of Marines, Sailors, and family members aboard MCB Hawaii by offering fitness and recreation activities such as the biathlon in garrison and deployed environments.
The final race for 2015 is the Turkey Trot 10K, scheduled for Nov. 7 at 7 a.m. The race is open to the public, beginning and ending at Dewey Square. Online registration will be available until Nov. 3 at 11:59 p.m., Hawaii Standard Time. For more information or to register for the next race, visit www.mccshawaii.com/races.