This Saturday at 11:30 a.m., three Metro Challenge winners will participate in the first-ever Civilian Military Combine, a race and obstacle course to honor the victims of the Sept. 11 attacks. For the past month, our challengers have been meeting at 7 a.m. every day to train for the race at CrossFit gym in the Flatiron District. Metro asked our three winners how they’re feeling the day before the race, estimated to take two hours to complete.
Esther Carpenter
Esther raised money for the NY Firefighters Burn Center Foundation:
“What a wonderful opportunity this has turned out to be! A month ago I would never have felt confident enough to complete this race. But (training) has strengthened me both physically and mentally.”
Sean Smith
Sean is running for his cousin, who died on 9/11:
“I hope I’m prepared for the race. I know that what I probably will endure during the race tomorrow is nowhere near the pain and suffering that my family and friends I lost 10 years ago went through during their final moments.”
Robert Hawthorn
Rob is running in memory of his friend, Chris Wodenshek, a Cantor Fitzgerald employee who died on 9/11. He raised money for the Semper Fi Fund:
“Knowing how to properly condition myself for this race gives me that much-needed confidence for Saturday.”
