November 15th, 2020 By FlipPhone

47 men ran the inaugural Millennium Race to raise some money for CVAN, get in a killer workout, and have some fun with their brothers at the same time.  Mission accomplished on all 3!

The weather was perfect, the pax were prepared, and the website held up to the abuse, despite some horrible photo taking and user errors.  Was very interesting to see the amount of preparation and lengths some teams went to shave off some miles.

The total distances varied from 10.5 to 14 miles with the same 10 way points.  The rules looked like this.

• Teams of 2-4
  • Each team will carry 50 pounds (distributed however the team decides) for the entire event
• 10 Way points given to the teams two days before
  • Way points are in planning, but roughly 15 miles of distance to cover, depending on the route you choose.  The custom routes created a huge x factor of how many shortcuts each team found and was willing to risk.
  • Teams design their own routes and leave as soon as they are ready
• 1,000 reps
  • At each Way Point:
    • 100 reps of exercise shown on the web page (you’ll know it when you get there and QR scan).
    • Exercises will be completed on the honor system. Reps can be split between pax on the team, 100 total to be completed per team
    • Team will upload a picture of themselves at the landmark to check themselves in and prove that they were there
  • First team to visit all way points and complete all exercises and make it back to base wins

The event was a definite success.  The only problem was that we finished MUCH earlier than expected and the pub wasn’t open!  Next time we’ll start later or define the rules better about the same route being followed.

Custom routes made for some great stories when we got back.  We learned to never follow @Mullet after he says “it will be fine”.  His knees were only a little bloody from the briars they walked through.  @Head&Shoulders may hold a grudge, we’ll see.

Thank God for the loud whistle on the Amtrak and that guys were wearing reflective gear and lights.  Don’t think that’s a good idea next year.

What’s the level after Eagle Scout?  If that exists, the award goes to @Othello.  Somehow they only travelled 10.5 miles.  His compass and disregard for electric fences and bulls is now legendary.

Too many horrible pictures to even mention.  Check them out for yourself here: https://drive.google.com/drive/folders/1_hsJXl88x7OTWPbJIfaFQ-G0Dk9s8Tw4?usp=sharing

Was great to see all the other AOs coming out and supporting.  Shout out to Mint Hill for two teams.  Afton, Highlands, Concord, Dawg House – really appreciate the support.

Next year we’ll have the bar opened sooner!  Aye!

See you in the gloom …

Afton, Concord, Harrisburg, Highlands, The Dawg House

---