Boot Camp kicks off challenge

James Gregg Arizona Daily Star - Hundreds of competitors and supporters braved obstacles and climbing walls spread through a 5K run Saturday.

They were rewarded with a screaming barrage of U.S. Army soldiers who surrounded them in a final push through a mud pit, capping off the second annual Beat Cancer Boot Camp Challenge at Brandi Fenton Memorial Park, 3482 E. River Road.

Proceeds from entry fees, merchandise sales and sponsorships went to support the Beat Cancer Boot Camp, founded by "Sarge" Anita Kellman as a support group for cancer patients and survivors built around fitness and survival rather than self-pity.

Competitor Lynn Bunstine, covered head to toe in mud following the event, credited Kellman for inspiring her to come to Tucson from Ohio, where she has started her own satellite Boot Camp.

"I'm out here to learn how we can put one of our own on next year," she said.

Participants got a special bonus with celebrity athlete appearances by U.S. Olympic gold medalist Amanda Beard, world champion distance runner Bernard Lagat, U.S. Olympic marathon runner Dan Browne and San Diego Charger Antoine Cason.

Cason hinted to mud-caked competitors that he might return next year to get through the mud pit himself, although trying to compete against the likes of Lagat and Browne in the 5K course might be tough.

"They would destroy me," he said.