Registration opens for Viking Challenge 2011

  • Published
  • By 615th Contingency Response Wing
TRAVIS AIR FORCE BASE, Calif. --  Viking Challenge - the annual fundraiser for the Travis Fisher House will take place Saturday, Oct. 1.

The event, sponsored by the 615th Contingency Response Wing's Phoenix Mobility Program, is a 12-hour relay in which teams of eight to 10 people continuously move--run, jog or walk around the Travis Air Force Base fitness center track.

One member of each team completes one mile before passing the baton to the next team member. Registration is open now until Sept. 23.

In 2010, 41 teams participated and more than $12,000 was raised for the Travis Fisher House. The goal for 2011 is to have at least one team from each squadron on base participate and raise at least $15,000. All funds collected will go directly to the Travis Fisher House.

The Travis Fisher House is a home away from home for families of Soldiers, Sailors, Airmen, Marines, and Coast Guardsmen who are treated at David Grant USAF Medical Center.

Viking Challenge funds are raised through both the entry fee and donations. The entry fee for each team is $100 and teams are encouraged to collect flat rate donations or pledges per mile.

During last year's event, the 570th Contingency Response Group Team 1 ran 104 miles and earned the trophy for the most miles completed by a team. Following closely in second place was the Beale Air Force Base Team 1 with 103 miles, and third place was the 60th Operations Support Squadron "Control Freaks" with 97 miles.

A team comprised of the Phoenix Mobility officers from the 615th CRW took top team honors by raising the most donations at more than $1,800.

While the runners raised the majority of the $12,000 donated to Travis Fisher House, local businesses generously donated cash and gifts in support of the Viking Challenge. Many businesses donated goods and services that were raffled to raise more than $300.

For more information about registering a team or volunteering at Viking Challenge 2011, contact Capt. Rob Arnett at 424-1907 or Robert.Arnett@us.af.mil, or Capt. Matt Sikkink at 424-7397 or Matthew.Sikkink@us.af.mil.