National Guard Best Warrior Competition, Jan 07, 2012
The Fairfield National Guard unit uses the Loop Trail at least 2-3 times per week by either jogging sections of the trail or biking the entire loop. This has greatly increased their safety by allowing them have an alternative to running on the city streets.
Since the Loop Trail passes right behind the National Guard Armory on Stone Avenue, they have volunteered to adopt the section of trail between the north side of the armory and the intersection of 8th St & Gear Ave.
See more in a Letter to the Editor written by Major David Harper (in PDF format).
National Guard soldiers used the Fairfield Loop Trail on January 7 to conduct their Soldier and Non Commissioned Officer of the Year competition. One of the events during their two-day competition was
a nine mile road march, starting at the armory and utilizing the Loop Trail.
Here they follow the Loop Trail through the Pleasant Lake parking lot.
The competitors were in full battle dress uniform carrying a 35 pound back pack and a simulated gun. The ability for the National Guard unit to conduct this road march on the trail system ensured the safety of the competitors. About 10 soldiers participated.
The soldier on the right is heading towards the turn-around at the half-way point. The other soldier is on his way back. The winners will go to the national competitions.
The soldiers started at the Fairfield National Gear Armory on Stone Ave, headed east on the Loop Trail, and turned around near Walton Rd. This soldier is returning to the Armory.
The backpack weighs 35 pounds, and the white tube filled with sand simulates a gun.
The soldier with the fastest time wins this road march. Is anyone gaining on this soldier?
Another guard member watches for traffic, to ensure safety.
The route from here (Pleasant Lake parking lot) to the Armory is 3.5 miles. The course was carefully measured by the Guard engineers.
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Photos by Jeff Fitz-Randolph, Jan 07, 2012
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