Marine Corps Base Camp Pendleton

CAMP PENDLETON, Calif. -- Marine Corps Base Camp Pendleton is scheduled to host the 6th annual Recon Challenge Friday, May 16 from 4 a.m. to 7 p.m. The event begins at Camp Pendleton’s San Onofre Beach, and winners will be announced during the closing ceremony at 7 p.m.

The Recon Challenge is a grueling one-day event held every year at Camp Pendleton. It is open to graduates of the Amphibious Reconnaissance School, Amphibious Reconnaissance Course, and Basic Reconnaissance Course, and was established as a way to bring reconnaissance Marines together to compete in a "Super Squad" or "Best Ranger" competition. Sixteen two-man teams and one six-man team from around the Marine Reconnaissance community are currently scheduled to compete.

The Recon Challenge consists of 9 events including a two-kilometer open-water swim with combat equipment, two obstacle courses, a 23-mile hike through the mountains of Camp Pendleton, weapons proficiency tests, live fire events, multiple water confidence events and multiple strength and endurance events. These events represent the physical and mental training reconnaissance Marines conduct in preparation for the rigors of combat.

During this year's Recon Challenge, Cpl Todd Love, a triple amputee, will be carried throughout the entire Recon Challenge by a six-man recon team. The team members served in the same platoon with Cpl Love when he was wounded conducting combat operations in Afghanistan.

The public will have the opportunity to view participants complete numerous checkpoints along the race route which test the Marines’ fundamental reconnaissance training skills.

Checkpoint challenges are kept secret from the competitors until they reach the checkpoint.

Checkpoints are marked with signs and are located along Basilone Rd, with the exception of the Recon Challenge starting point, which is located at Camp Pendleton’s Del Mar Gate. Challenge participants will move from west to east along Basilone Rd. Markers will direct visitors to parking areas to view the events, and information will be available from Marines at each checkpoint. Visitors should enter the base through the San Onofre/Basilone Gate and should have driver’s license, registration and proof of insurance on hand.
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