Cpl. Daniel Tabor, a supply administrator with Marine Air-Ground Task Force Support Battalion 11.2, bench presses 185 lbs. during the Iron Man Competition aboard Camp Leatherneck, Afghanistan, Oct. 22. Dozens of troops from units across the base participated in the competition, which began with a 10 kilometer run. (U.S. Marine Corps photo by Sgt. Justin J. Shemanski)

Photo by Sgt. Justin J. Shemanski

Iron Man: Fitness and strength tested in 2nd MLG (FWD)-hosted competiton

22 Oct 2011 | Sgt. Justin J. Shemanski 2nd Marine Logistics Group

CAMP LEATHERNECK, Afghanistan -- Are you tough enough?

That was the proverbial question posed when the masterminds of the 2nd Marine Logistics Group (Forward) sat down to design a test of pure fitness and strength, which manifested itself in the form of the Iron Man Competition aboard Camp Leatherneck, Oct. 22.

Open to all ranks and all services, the contest featured six events. The morning began with each participant completing a 10 kilometer run and then circulating through 5 other events, which included pull-ups, shot put, abdominal crunches, bench press and a 400 meter run.

The fastest or strongest participants per gender, per event, were named winners.

Dozens of troops from across Regional Command Southwest participated in the event, though the Marines took the challenge to heart.

“You get together so you can compete,” said Sgt. Maj. William T. Stables, the sergeant major for 2nd MLG (FWD). “More importantly, you get to see the caliber of the Marines in the Corps.”