Photos by Siobhan Carlile A few moments of peace during the early morning anthem. More than 300 Soldiers volunteered their time Sunday at the innaugural ESi Ironman 70.3 in downtown Augusta. They served where they were most needed, assisting at intersections, handing out recovery items, manning water points, and fulfilling the catch-all, “other duties as assigned.”

Soldiers and cadre from the 551st Signal Battalion arrived around 5 a.m. and provided support until the end of the race at 5:30 p.m. according to Lt. Col. Charles Schrader, commander, 551st Signal Battalion. Soldiers were positioned along the entire 70.3 mile event.

“This was a super volunteer event for our battalion and our Soldiers, as we helped the Augusta Sports Council, and the city of Augusta host their first Ironman Triathlon. We continue to build and foster our relationship with the greater Central Savannah River Area community and this allowed our Soldiers to see that they can accomplish great things when they train and stay determined and committed to a goal,” said Schrader.

( Left, in ball cap) Maj. (Dr.) Christopher Meyering from Dwight D. Eisenhower Army Medical Center, Family Medicine, briefs Soldiers on their duties at the Finish Line. Twenty-five waves of swimmers braved the 70 degree water before the sun was even shining. The 1.2-mile swim started at the Fifth Street Marina and ended at the Boathouse along the west bank of the Savannah River. When they arrived at the transition point, the athletes were literally yanked out of their wetsuits by their assistants as they prepared to board bikes for a 56-mile ride into Aiken County and back. After the cycle portion of the race they returned to the transition area, starting a 13.1-mile run, which included two loops through downtown Augusta that ended at the Augusta Common.

The orange flight prepares for the cold 1.2 mile swim down the Savannah River. Spc. John Mitchell an Advanced Individual Training Soldier assigned to Headquarters Co. A, 551st Signal Battalion conquered the 70.3 mile course in 5:35:25 placing 74 out of 202 in the men’s 45-49 year old age group. According to Schrader there were four other triathletes from Fort Gordon, but their results weren’t made available at press time.
Cyclists get ready for the 56-mile leg of the race.
Greg Bennett crosses the finish line in an astounding 3:47:06 for a first place finish. His wife Laura was the first place women’s finisher.
Soldiers of the 551st Signal Battalion, ready a water point at mile 11 of the race.