26th Space Aggressors storm Colorado rockies

  • Published
  • By Capt. Jessica Martin
  • 926th Group public affairs
Schriever Air Force Base, Colo. --  Members of the 26th Space Aggressor Squadron gave a new meaning to Total Force Integration in the hills of Colorado on July 22 and 23.

The reservists joined forces with their active-duty counterparts in the 527th Space Aggressor Squadron to create team "Red Storm" in the Epic Rocky Mountain Relay.

Maj. Vanessa Warren, 26th SAS Adversary Plans Flight Commander, started recruiting runners a couple of years ago. "I had the idea of forming a relay team in 2009 for the Wild West Relay--another 200-mile race from Fort Collins to Steamboat Springs, Colorado," she said.

"I searched around and found 11 other folks crazy enough to run it. We had so much fun that year that we decided to do it again in 2010."

This year marked the first time the Epic Relay was held in the area. The race began in Colorado Springs and ended in Crested Butte, Colo., covering 200 miles of terrain, much of which was above 10,000 feet.

Each of the 12 runners was responsible for three legs over a 24-hour period, totaling 36 legs ranging from three to eight miles each. Averaging eight-minute, 48-second miles, team "Red Storm" came in seventh place out of 50 teams.

As a fitness instructor in the civilian sector, being is shape is close to Warren's heart. "Our team and its adventures have gained popularity among the Schriever Air Force Base community," said Warren. "I love to spread excitement when it comes to fitness. It's very cool to hear people from other organizations talking about how it motivates them to train so they, too, can be a part of the fun."

The Epic Relay organization is a green effort, with a portion of proceeds collected from entry fees going back to preserving the areas the races are held. For more information, visit http://www.epicrelays.com.