KMC 5/6 hosts annual Viking Challenge

Story and photos by Airman 1st Class Savannah Waters 86th Airlift Wing Public Affairs

Participants in the 2016 Viking Challenge play a game of water pong July 22 on Pulaski Barracks. Every other hour, events such as cornhole, water pong, tire flipping and water balloon toss were held.
Participants in the 2016 Viking Challenge play a game of water pong July 22 on Pulaski Barracks. Every other hour, events such as cornhole, water pong, tire flipping and water balloon toss were held.

The KMC 5/6 club hosted its 10th annual Viking Challenge to raise funds for the people and organizations within the KMC July 22 on Pulaski Barracks.

Hundreds of active-duty members and their families participated in the 24-hour relay marathon, raising $6,000 within the first few hours.

“This fundraiser benefits the entire KMC and is our single largest fundraiser of the year,” said Tara Redmond, Landstuhl Fisher House assistant manager. “It’s a morale booster and just phenomenal for us and the community.”

The Landstuhl Fisher House is a temporary home for families of patients being seen at Landstuhl Regional Medical Center and is one of the organizations that the KMC 5/6 hosts the event for.

“We are a home away from home for the military members and their families that are actively being seen at LRMC,” Redmond said.

At last year’s Viking Challenge, an estimated $20,000 was donated to the Landstuhl Fisher House.

“We just try to get out there and help out the community, and the Landstuhl Fisher House and other organizations that the 5/6 donates to as well,” said Staff Sgt. Richard Smith, co-chair of the 2016 Viking Challenge.

At this year’s Viking Challenge, there were a wide variety of activities to participate in besides the relay itself. Every other hour, events such as cornhole, water pong, tire flipping and water balloon toss were held in the middle of the field at Pulaski Park.

During the fundraiser, participants could get pledges from sponsors based on how many laps or miles completed, as well as one time donations. The total amount raised at the fundraiser will be determined mid-August.

Runners celebrate finishing their last lap during the Viking Challenge July 23 on Pulaski Barracks. After the marathon ended, awards and appreciation were given out.
Runners celebrate finishing their last lap during the Viking Challenge July 23 on Pulaski Barracks. After the marathon ended, awards and appreciation were given out.