Gryphon Technologies Returns as Events DC Nation’s Triathlon Military Challenge Sponsor
WASHINGTON, DC – August 6, 2013 – The Events DC Nation’s Triathlon To Benefit The Leukemia & Lymphoma Society today announced that Gryphon Technologies is returning as the presenting sponsor of the 6th annual Military Challenge. Members of the U.S. Armed Forces have a chance to compete against other active duty or veterans at the triathlon’s race-within-a-race on Sunday, September 8, 2013.
The Gryphon Military Challenge features an international distance course that includes a 1.5k swim in the Potomac River, 40k bike course through downtown D.C., and a 10k run along Washington, DC’s monumental corridor.
“In appreciation for the tremendous contributions and sacrifices our troops have made and continue to make in serving our great Nation, Gryphon Technologies considers it a pleasure and honor to once again sponsor the Military Challenge at this year’s Nations Triathlon,” said Pam Braden, CEO and founder.
Gryphon Technologies is a premier engineering and technical services firm supporting national security and coalition forces with over 700 employees nationwide. In addition to its sponsorship of the Military Challenge, Gryphon also plans to have several relay teams and more than a dozen “Gryphonites” competing side by side with active duty and veteran military personnel.
“We thank Gryphon Technologies for joining us in honoring the sacrifice, dedication and commitment of the men and women who serve in defense of our nation,” said Molly Quinn, Vice President of Triathlon at Competitor Group, organizers of the Event’s DC Nation’s Tri. “It’s truly a pleasure to witness some of the most well-trained military members participate in this patriotic race-within-a-race, and we know other participants and spectators will be enthusiastically cheering them on.”
“I wanted to compete in the Nation's Tri because it's a different feeling of competitiveness than other triathlons,” noted MSgt Jeromie J. Sandall, an Intelligence Analyst with the U.S. Air Force based in South Korea. “I won't be challenged by my regular Age Group athletes; instead I will test my abilities alongside the world’s greatest competitors, leaders, and warriors. The mental and physical strength of these athletes will definitely guarantee I bring my 'A’ game,” he added.
“You can't beat the patriotic feelings of racing in your nation's capital past all the monuments,” comments 2nd year competitor Colonel Laura Trinkle, who is the Commander of Rader Army Health Clinic in the Army Medical Service Corps. “Race morning with the sun rising over the Capitol and the Washington Monument is amazing. It is a great race, well organized, nice bike route, flat run, & beautiful scenery - so I am back for another year! Many triathlons are held at lakes in state parks, which are great venues, but the ability to do a race like Nation's and then be right in the heart of the city is wonderful. As a Soldier, who happens to do triathlons, I think Nation's is great experience.”
Active duty and veteran military personnel can compete as singles or as teams. The top military competitors and teams will be recognized at the conclusion of the race in their own category. Last year 350 military members from the Navy, Army and Air Force participated in the challenge. Scott Tonder from the Air Force placed first in the 2012 race-within-a-race in 2:06:34, while Mollie Hebda with the Marines won the women’s division of the challenge with a time of 2:19:27. The winner of the Military Challenge Team Challenge was Annapolidelphian Tri featuring Bernadette Horner, Kate Hoefert and Kyte Hoefert in a time of 2:40:13.