KMC members row the Rhine

  • Published
  • By Airman 1st Class Ciara M. Travis
  • 86th Airlift Wing Public Affairs
RAMSTEIN AIR BASE, Germany --  Members of the Kaiserslautern Military Community were given the opportunity to participate in Race Across the Rhine, a month-long rowing competition here July 1 through 31.

Spanning the length of the Rhine River, participants were required to row a total of 5,000 meters at the Northside, Southside and Vogelweh Fitness Centers.

The event was open to all Department of Defense and NATO ID card holders.

The competition drew in approximately 60 people, all competing for the prize -- a travel voucher from Ramstein Travel and Tours for the 'Castles on the Rhine and River Cruise.'

"Offering a variety of fitness challenges and competitions really gets people excited," said Ms. Rachel Miller, 786th Force Support Squadron programming specialist. "They love a challenge, especially when there is a reward for their hard work. Fitness is supposed to be fun for everyone."

Although the challenge was open through the entire month of July, for some, the competition was completed after just a few minutes.

"For me, the competition took only 25 minutes so it didn't seem too difficult or time consuming," said Onnie Grisotto, 603rd Air Operations Center program analyst. "It's actually really interesting to think that I've rowed the distance of the Rhine, but it probably isn't comparable to actually rowing the Rhine."

For Grisotto, strategy seemed to prove the most successful way to finish.

"The most difficult part in the entire race was trying to figure out how to row the most effectively to get the best time," said Grisotto. "It was a combination of power and speed, but rhythm was also very important."

Like the 'Race Across the Rhine,' another fitness challenge will be open for the month of August to all ID card holders. The Southside, Northside and Vogelweh Fitness Centers will hold their 'Wheels of Steel' contest, this time focusing on cycling.

Participants are asked to keep track of their miles using the honor system and record their data on a personal log kept at the fitness centers. Any indoor-cycling classes also count for log miles. The person with the most miles at the end of the month will receive a prize and a certificate of completion with their mileage.

Mark your calendars for these upcoming fitness events:

- Back to School wing run, 7 a.m. on Aug 4 at Hanger 3, Uniform is PT Gear.

- Luau 5K Fun Run, 3 p.m. on Aug 17 at the Vogelweh Rod and Gun Club. Wear a lei or your favorite Hawaiian shirt. Military affiliated attire is prohibited.

- 5-A-Side Soccer Tournament, from 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. on Aug 27 at the Southside Fitness Center. Teams will consist of up to eight players and must be 18 or older to participate. There will be prizes for first place and runner up. Those participating must sign up by Aug 24.

- Memorial Half Marathon, 8 a.m. on Sept 10 at the South Side Fitness Center. Cost is $10. First 300 participants to register get a free T-shirt. Prizes awarded to overall top female and top male first, second and third in the following age divisions: 18-29; 30-39; 40-49 and 50.