Civilian Military Combine hosts day of military-inspired obstacles at Fort Hamilton

It was a day of fun and extreme exercise at the Fort Hamilton U.S Army Garrison as the Civilian Military Combine (CMC) hosted its hybrid obstacle course event that combines Crossfit-style exercises with a five-mile military grade obstacle course race.

On Saturday, September 10, thousands of attendees participated in the event. CMC, a health and lifestyle fitness brand that has developed a highly recognized, cutting edge, military-inspired hybrid obstacle course race series, brought the exercise to the base for the first time with positive reviews.

“It well exceeded our expectations,” Richard Rosa, CMC managing director, told this paper. “We had roughly 2,000 people attend the event. Having an event in the confines of a military base is complex, but the great planning of Fort Hamilton made it a breeze. The weather was great and it was outstanding.”

Attendees were transported to the base from the MCU Park parking lot via bus and all participants enjoyed the old and new obstacles.

“There were debut obstacles never seen before in obstacle racing and the public came to enjoy the them,” Rosa said. “They reviewed them and thought it was great.”

Rosa and CMC, which tours the country, were thrilled to have the event debut at Fort Hamilton. “It is a unique spot in New York City,” he said. “I was born and bred in Astoria and I can’t think of another place in New York that could provide a facility and space like this. It’s so picturesque. We could see this doing this year after year.”

CMC is already selling tickets for next year’s event at the fort.

One of the highlights of the day was the debut of a new 25-foot obstacle, the Diamondback.  There was also something for the youngsters. “Roughly 100 or so kids participated in mini-obstacle courses,” Rosa said. “There was lots of buzz on the festival grounds so we will continue it.”

The feeling of satisfaction was shared by those at the fort. “Fort Hamilton welcomes the opportunity to bring the community together in healthy competition, especially where it enhances the relationship between our military members and those whom we protect, and in return, they so greatly support us,” said Donald Bradshaw, deputy to the commander, U.S. Army Garrison Fort Hamilton in a statement. “The Civilian Military Combine event provides a perfect environment for New Yorkers to share fellowship, fun and a little bit of sweat at Fort Hamilton – ‘The Face of the Army in New York City.'”