AOC takes on Tough Mudder

  • Published
  • By Jennifer Green
  • 30th Space Wing Public Affairs
Six members of the 614th Air and Space Operations Center here will see if they have what it takes to conquer one of the toughest races in the world May 28 at the Tough Mudder in Southern California's Snow Valley.

Air National Guard Tech. Sgt. Alex Hernandez; Tech. Sgt. Gavin Iteen and Staff Sgts. Brandon Lirio and Reuben Peralta; Marine Sgt. Chris Pettingill; and Army Sgt. Daniel Pineda have come together to form the "Sons of Atlas."

"The team was formed with the intention to build camaraderie between the services," said Sgt. Lirio. "As the weeks in this training went on, the uniform color faded, and the only thing that mattered was the team and our goals of completing this training and completing this event."

Tough Mudder is an extreme obstacle course race held around the world at various locations. The race was designed by British Special Forces to test all around strength, stamina, mental grit and camaraderie. The course in Snow Valley is approximately 10 miles long.

Sons of Atlas have been training for this event since the first week in April and have continued by increasing endurance runs and circuit training. With obstacles like Devil's Beard which features low-laying cargo nets; and Electroshock Therapy, which promises a shocking end to the race if a runner hits a wire carrying 10,000 volts, this race is not for the faint of heart. The Snow Valley course has a summit elevation of 7,830 feet, increasing the need for stamina training here.

Tough Mudder is just the beginning for this group. They hope to continue after this event by qualifying to participate in the special elite force of the Tough Mudder race next year.