MARINE CORPS BASE CAMP PENDLETON, Calif. -- Ninety-one athletes pushed themselves to the breaking point as they competed in the 2012 Reebok CrossFit Games aboard Camp Pendleton, July 12.
The games first event, Pendleton 1, consisted of a run, swim and bike challenge. Pendleton 2 was an 11 kilometer run, said Dave Castro, the director of the CrossFit Games.
Castro said, "For the first time ever in CrossFit Games’ history, we had athletes go head to head in an elimination course."
CrossFit is rapidly gaining global attention for the increased physical effects of the committed individuals, regardless of their fitness experience. The design of the CrossFit program delivers broad, general and inclusive fitness.
"Expect a challenge," said Jeremy Kinnick, a 2012 CrossFit Games competitor. "Everybody who starts (CrossFit), even the athletes here today, aren't good at everything in CrossFit."
Announcing the games’ events just days, hours or minutes prior to conducting them is a major element that differentiates the CrossFit Games from traditional sporting events. Participants train to expect the unexpected.
In the men's category, Numi S. Katrinarson took first place in Pendleton 1 with a time of 42 minutes, 13 second. Chad Mackay followed closely behind with a time of 43:04. Mackay came back to even the score in the next event, Pendleton 2, placing first with a time of 1:57:33, Katrinarson placed second with a time of 1:59:16.
In the women's category, Ruth Anderson Horrell won Pendleton 1, recording a time of 48:14. Julie Foucher took second place with a time of 49:18. Foucher was the victor for Pendleton 2 with a time of 2:05:12.
During the last event of the day, competitors raced against the clock and one another, maneuvering a Marine Corps obstacle course. Competitors would move on to the next round by winning their heat.
"It started to get fun after I went through it a few times," said Kinnick, referring to the obstacle course at the School of Infantry.
Spencer Hendel placed first in the men's O-Course event by winning the final heat with a breakneck time of 33.1 seconds. Talayna Forunato placed first in the women's category, recording a time of 43.39.
"It has been a huge honor to be able to participate on and work together with Camp Pendleton. Hopefully these events get more Marines involved in CrossFit," said Kinnick.
For more information on the 2012 Reebok CrossFit Games visit www.games.crossfit.com.