MARINE CORPS BASE CAMP PENDLETON, Calif. -- Top ranked X Games athletes from around the world performed death-defying stunts for hundreds of spectators at Camp Pendleton’s School of Infantry parade deck, Aug. 15.

Freestyle sport bike and bicycle motocross performances dazzled onlookers during Semper X, a Marine Corps Community Services and Supporting Radical Habits Productions sponsored event.

“We host several free family events but we just started hosting motocross events this year,” said Pete G. Elkin, event coordinator, MCCS, Camp Pendleton. “It’s important to boost morale, and provide a diversion for families dealing with constant deployments.”

Motocross champions Robbie Adelberg and Taylor Sterner were among the world class X Games athletes. Adelberg is currently internationally ranked by ESPN and the American Motorcyclist Association. Sterner performed during last year’s U.S. Open and remains an “official duel-action professional,” according to FMX, ESPN.

“The Marines here have done so much for us,” said Jason H. Portlock, marketing director, SRH Productions. “Being here is the least we could do.”

The event was only the third of its kind ever hosted on base and the first ever for the northern camps.

“We have wanted to do something special at the northern camps for a long time now,” said Elkin. “To have these organizations donate their time, athletes and equipment is truly remarkable.”

The motocross organization’s youngest BMX rider, 13-year-old Zachary C. Norton, performed for his first time in front of fans during the 3-hour spectacle.

“The military does so much for everyone, so just getting the chance to ride for them is awesome,” said Norton.

Additional X Game performances included a BMX demonstration by Vista-native Caleb M. Norman with SRF Productions.

The free family event also entertained servicemembers and their families with live music, food and activities available to children.