Illinois National Guard Soldiers participate in the 2014 Warrior Dash

Story and photos by Staff Sgt. Aleah M. Castrejon, Illinois Army National Guard Public Affairs Office

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SPRINGFIELD, IL (06/16/2014)(readMedia)-- CHANNAHON, Ill. – The Illinois National Guard Recruiting and Retention Battalion (RRB) collaborated with the Warrior Dash, Action Sports Program 2014, as a unique way to recruit potential Soldiers, June 14 and 15.

"This is my second time doing the Warrior Dash," said Sgt. 1st Class Timothy Allsteadt of Kankakee, Illinois, with the RRB. "It's fun and you get dirty, it's a challenge that we accept."

The Warrior Dash is the world's largest obstacle race series, approximately three to four miles long with 12 obstacles. The Soldiers ran much of the course, hiked though the woods, creeks, and hills before finishing the obstacle course with a large muddy pit at the bottom of the goliath water slide.

"This year is the second year of our involvement with the program and we have 16 entries in the Warrior Dash from the RRB," said Sgt. 1st Class Clinton Murphy of Athens, Illinois, with the RRB in Springfield, Illinois.

Action sporting events have proven successful avenues in which the Army National Guard (ARNG) has been able to connect with and recruit young adults. The RRB is able to set up an activation booth at the sporting event with contests and giveaways, which reaches out to a core audience of 17-24 year olds.

"I enjoy the tough obstacles," said Sgt. Hayley Clayton of Dixon, Illinois with the 333rd Military Police Company in Freeport, Illinois. "Once or twice a year I sign up for these obstacle courses."

The comfortable and accessible environment allows recruiters to develop a positive association between the National Guard, sports, music, career opportunities, and a younger generation. The interactive booth is equipped with a punching bag and branded vehicles, which is enticing to the potential recruits.

(Left to right) Staff Sgt. Mark D. Brienen of Bloomington, Illinois, with Recruiting and Retention Battalion; Spc. Andrew J. Stoltz of Morris, Illinois, with the Headquarters and Headquarters Troop 2nd Squadron, 106th Cavalry in Kewanee, Illinois; and Sgt. Hayley Clayton of Dixon, Illinois, with the 333rd Military Police Company in Freeport, Illinois, participate in the 2014 Warrior Dash in Channahon, Illinois, June 14.

(Left to right) Sgt. 1st Class Timothy Allsteadt of Kankakee, Illinois, with the Recruiting and Retention Battalion and Spc. Andrew J. Stoltz of Morris, Illinois, with the Headquarters and Headquarters Troop 2nd Squadron, 106th Cavalry in Kewanee, Illinois, participate in the 2014 Warrior Dash in Channahon, Illinois, June 14.

(Left to right) Staff Sgt. Leonard A. Miller of Romeoville, Illinois, with Recruiting and Retention Battalion (RRB); Sgt. Hayley Clayton of Dixon, Illinois, with the 333rd Military Police Company in Freeport, Illinois; Sgt. 1st Class Timothy Allsteadt of Kankakee, Illinois, with the RRB; Staff Sgt. Mark D. Brienen of Bloomington Illinois, with RRB; Spc. Andrew J. Stoltz of Morris, Illinois, with the Headquarters and Headquarters Troop 2nd Squadron, 106th Cavalry in Kewanee, Illinois, participate in the 2014 Warrior Dash in Channahon, Illinois, June 14.