Category: CSAUP

The Grandaddy of all CSAUPs – BRR 2026

Leave a comment

Over the course of 13 years in the Fort there have been many Completely Stupid and Utterly Pointless (CSAUP) activities including the Tortoise and Hare, the Sweati Barry, D2D, Hog and Coyote, Palmetto 200 and the Jaeger just to name a few. All of which serve to challenge your pain threshold while also building trust and teamwork amongst men. As stated in Q Source, “completing it together tells the participants something about themselves and each other–that they are men upon whom others may safely rely.”

But the Grandaddy of all CSAUPs that the Fort has participated in is the Blue Ridge Relay. BRR is a 208 mile relay of 36 legs that begins at Grayson Highlands State, VA and finishes in Asheville, NC. Ask anyone who has participated in the past and they will almost always list this as one of the best and most challenging events that have completed. Below are a few additional details:

* Race starts on a Friday morning, September 11th (starting times are staggered and vary from 7am-11am) and ends on Saturday afternoon, September 12th.
* Race is split into 36 predetermined legs of varying distances (2 to 10 miles) and difficulty levels (Easy to Mountain Goat Hard).
* Teams can be a minimum of 4 and a maximum of 12 people. Price for teams of 7-12 runners is $1498.60 and for teams of 4-6 runners is $757
* For a 12-person team, the average total distance is 16.6 miles spread over 3 legs (it’s like running three 10Ks in a day). You can do the math for the average mileage for the other teams sizes. Average is just average though – some legs are longer and some are shorter.
* Teams travel along the race course in vans, picking up and dropping off runners at the beginning and end of each leg. You get to know, and smell, your van-mates very well.

How I participate?

To enhance the fellowship, bring along some newer guys and bond through the training, this year we will be doing a “blind draw” for teams to participate. You are asked to HC and submit your information using this form BRR the Fort. We will accept submissions through 2/1/26. Below are the additional timelines:

* February – Captains are chosen based on the number of HCs received; Payment will be expected based on # of runners and price
* March – training begins
* March – August – training continues with special events including Trout to Trout, mountain runs and trips to Crowders Mountain (more details to follow)
* July 11th – Blind Draw for teams; location TBD
* July 27th – Estimated pace submitted to BRR
* September 11-12 – race occurs

If you have any questions, feel free to reach out to me via Slack.

This will be one of the best and most challenging events you will do in 2026 so I challenge to you sign up. Lets go!

TClap |
0

Inaugural The Fort 9/11 Memorial Stair Climb

Leave a comment

When: Saturday 9/13/2025, 06:00 – completion
Where: Nation Ford High School, Football Stadium
Why:
9/11 is a day nobody will ever forget. Nobody should ever forget. Many lives were lost and America as we knew it was forever changed after that day.
What:
In honor of the 24th anniversary of that fateful, horrible day, we will be doing a 9/11 Memorial Stair Climb.
Each of the NYC Twin Towers had 110 stories and 2,070 steps. The football stadium bleachers at Nation Ford High School (aka Honey Badger, Ring of Fire, and Varsity), there are 6 rows (the larger two-way rows) of steps, each row with 34 steps. Going up then down each of the 6 rows gets you 204 steps, which is one round. Repeat that 10 times, or 10 rounds, +1 more row, you have 2074 steps. We would run all 6 rows 10 rounds, then add one row to make it 66 rows total. Granted we’d be going up 66 times, down 66 times, but we’d get the total step count in. To keep things easy, we decided to do 11 total rounds.

After some encouraging words and lifting up some words in respect and honor of those lost, we set off. Some ran, some speed walked, others rucked. A few replicated the 60-70 lbs average load a fireman carries when prepped to fight. Coupons were added to the mix too. Work was done, excellent fellowship was shared, and the patches were well earned. Everyone did a GREAT job. It was quite a morning.

One thing – the stairs in twin towers, all 110 stories, would yield an elevation gain of 1,100 ft. Unfortunately, after 12 rounds or so, I only got 900 ft elevation gain. SO…..doing the math, next year we will be going for the elevation gain, which means we will have to do 15 rounds total of all those steps.

Thanks for the opportunity to lead.
NASA

TClap |
0

Inaugural The Fort 9/11 Memorial Stair Climb

Leave a comment

Nation Ford High School football field stadium
06:00 launch

THE THANG:
Inaugural The Fort 9/11 Memorial Stair Climb
9/11 is a day nobody will ever forget. Nobody should ever forget. Many lives were lost and America as we knew it was forever changed after that day. This will be in honor of the 24th anniversary of that fateful day.

Setup:
Each of the NYC Twin Towers had 110 stories and 2,070 steps. Looking at the football stadium bleachers at Nation Ford High School (aka Honey Badger, Ring of Fire, and Varsity), there are 6 rows (the larger two-way rows) of steps, each row with approx 34 steps. Going up then down each of the 6 rows gets you 204 steps. Repeat that 10 times +1 more row, you have 2074 steps. We would run all 6 rows 10 times or rounds, then add one row to make it 61 rows total. Granted we’d be going up 61 times, down 61 times, but we’d get the total step count in. To keep it easy, we would do 11 complete rounds of steps, or 66 rows total.

Some guys ran it, some guys walked it, some guys rucked it. A handful tried to replicate the 60-70lbs average load firemen carry when prepped and going in for a fight. Coupons were added to the mix as well. Work was done, great fellowship was had, and patches were well earned. A prayer or convocation was presented at the start to honor all those lost on that fateful day. Excellent job everyone!! Remember, we GET TO do things like this. #NeverForget

Thankful and blessed to lead this. It WILL be back next year!
SYITG,
NASA

AAR:
This was the first time doing this, and to be honest I did not perform a pre-run on this to see what those bleachers would give us as far as elevation. In the end, per Garmin, I did right at 902 ft elevation gain in 2.36 miles in about 1hr 15 min in 12.5 rounds of bleachers (some of that 2.36 miles was lateral, horizontal movement from stairs to stairs). I actually finished the 11 rounds in 1 hr, but went to help and motivate others. BUT – to achieve the 110 story height of the twin towers’ stair wells, you need 1,100 ft elevation gain. I was 200 ft short. With that, doing the math, one round of bleacher steps is 75 ft elevation gain. So in order to get 1,100 ft elevation gain, we would have to do 14.6 rounds of bleacher steps, so make it 15 to keep it easy. That is doable.

TClap |
0

Slaying Trout to Trout

Leave a comment

WARMUP: Monkey humpers on Main St Blowing Rock :-0
THE THANG: Pax ran like billy goats up and down the mtns and then sharpened each other along with Boone pax and others in 2nd F. Mission accomplished on all fronts!

Don’t miss out on 2026 repeat!

COT: yes, completed pre launch

TClap |
0

The NOT SO Sweaty Barry

Leave a comment

If I missed your name, feel free to edit it in….

The weather did not agree with us, but I hope everyone had a nice evening at The Barry (aka The Sweaty Barry). I’m really not sure how a person could not have a good time with Milwaukee’s Beast and PBR being served.

Winner (repeat), Harry Carry … new traveling trophy awarded

Ruck winner (repeat), 3D … we’ll rustle up an award for the ruck winner next year

Thanks to the volunteers.

Thanks to the Rock Hill participants.

Thanks to Twister for gracing us with his presence.

Looks like we made it,

Barry Manilow

TClap |
0

F3 AMRAP 4 Autism 2025!

Leave a comment

B.L.U.F.

Saturday April 26th there will be a #BEATDOWN of epic proportions (AMRAP style) at Alcatraz.  This #SNOTWOGGLER is being delivered to support families with autism (like mine) get the resources they need.  The average cost for ABA therapy is $60,000 per year and can be much higher depending on the severity and need.  Autism Strong Foundation is a local non-profit that is “Founded on faith and led by inclusion, our mission is to provide the strongest support, community and hope for those touched by autism. All funds raised by Autism Strong are mindfully donated to our community in the way that will make the greatest impact; connecting families and children to the resources they desperately need.” Give HERE if you feel so lead.

THE WHY:

“For I know the plans I have for you, declares the Lord…” Jeremiah 29:11

My son Noah was diagnosed with Autism Spectrum Disorder in June of 2021.  The verse from Jeremiah is a truth that my M and I have hung on to ever since that day.  Admittedly there have been many days where we have doubted, more than I’d like to admit, as we’ve worked to learn and navigate this new world we were thrusted in to.  One of the most impactful things we have been able to do for Noah is getting him ABA therapy.  Through this focused therapy model, we have seen Noah grow in so many areas.  Today we are still in ABA as well as Speech, Occupational and Equine therapy but since we started Noah has become more expressive of his needs/wants, increased in his social skills, increased in his daily living skills and we can clearly see his confidence has grown.  We want all people affected with autism to have this same opportunity.

Through our journey we have found an amazing community and organization with a local nonprofit called Autism Strong Foundation.  The foundation was started to help families that cannot afford to help their children get the care they need for autism.  My M and I know firsthand, after battling with insurance for coverage, how difficult it can be to carry this burden on top of everything else.  We know many families are losing that fight or just cannot afford to help their children with the extremely high cost of therapy.  Some families must make a choice between paying the power bill or therapy for their special needs child, could you imagine that decision?

THE WHAT

F3 AMRAP 4 AUTISM is taking over Alcatraz on Saturday April 26.

  • 0630 launch with brief warmup and explanation of the day’s event
  • 0645 Event Start. AMRAP below workout for 36 minutes with coupon
    • 54 man makers with block
    • 54 Frog Squats
    • 54 yard dairy carry (2 blocks)
    • 54 bent over rows
    • 54 BBS with block
  • 0721 Clock Stops
  • 0730 COT & Winners Announced
  • 0745 Coffeteria

  Other Details

  • Workout is open to ALL MEN – regardless of if you donate. #CorePrinciple and all…
  • We will be gathering as many coupons as we can. If you have a sandbag, kettlebell or cinderblock please bring it.  Recommend no more than 50 lbs.
  • AMRAP 4 AUTISM is an annual event started by Autism Strong Foundation in 2013. This year’s event will be in August and held in Charlotte.  YHC will share registration details as they come available.

How you can help

  • You can donate with your credit card by visiting the website linked below:
  • WEBSITE(https://secure.givelively.org/donate/autism-strong-foundation/f3-x-amrap-4-autism-2025)

 

TClap |
0

Tortoise and Hare 2025

Leave a comment
Preblast: The Tortoise And The Hare
Date: 2025-June-07
Time: 08:00
Q: @Beaker

Register

Coupons:
30# Ruck
To celebrate their newfound friendship and the Tortoise and the Hare decided to organize an annual relay race for all the animals in the forest. This relay race would commemorate their initial rivalry and highlight the importance of both speed and persistence.The relay race became a beloved tradition. The friendship between the Tortoise and the Hare remained a symbol of unity and cooperation, reminding everyone that they could achieve great things by appreciating and supporting each other.
TEAM REGISTRATION:
The Tortoise and The Hare will be a relay CSAUP with equal amounts of Ruckers(Tortoises) and Runners (Hares). Teams can consist of 2 or 4 players.
No team? Show up and you’ll be added onto one!
RULES:
Each person runs a lap on a track as fast as possible, handing off to the next leg. Ruck weight has to be at least 30#. The distance covered will be 13 miles.2 man team – 6.5 miles (26 laps)/person
4 man team – 3.25 miles (13 laps)/person
THE TWIST:
Teams can mix and match who runs and who rucks, but it has to alternate between running slick and rucking.
E.g., Person 1 runs lap 1 slick. Person 2 rucks lap 2. Person 3 runs slick, person 4 rucks, etc. until all laps are complete.
REGISTRATION:Pick your team size, name, and members and register at the link below
:point_down::skin-tone-5:

Register

(why didn’t you just click the Register link at the top of the page? Come on! Get to it!!!)

TClap |
0

🚨 Leaders on the Links Golf Tournament 10/28/2024 At 1:30PM 🚨

Leave a comment

Ready to hit the greens and support an incredible cause? The Leaders on the Links Golf Tournament is happening at Fort Mill Golf Club on October 28th, and we want YOU to be part of it! All proceeds will benefit the Children’s Attention Home and the F3 Fort Mill Community Scholarship—two amazing organizations making a real difference in our community.

⏰ Don’t wait—team registration is $500, but after 10/21, fees go up to $600. Get your team locked in now!

🏌️‍♂️ Sponsorships Available (deadline 10/14):

  • Hole Sponsor: $150 – Custom sign at one of the holes.
  • Silver Sponsor: $300 – Custom sign at one of the holes + banner recognition at the event.
  • Gold Sponsor: $600 – 1 golf team (4 players) + custom sign at one of the holes + banner recognition.
  • Platinum Sponsor: $1,000 – 2 golf teams (8 players) + custom sign at one of the holes + banner recognition + special recognition at the check presentation + social media shoutouts.

🎁 We need your help! We’re also looking for raffle prize donations—every contribution counts toward making this event a big success!

📅 Mark the date:
🗓 October 28th
📍 Fort Mill Golf Club

🔗 Register or sponsor today at https://givebutter.com/leadersonthelinks before spots fill up and prices increase!

🔗Looking to volunteer?  Sign up at https://www.signupgenius.com/go/10C0449A4A72CA1FF2-51495425-f3golf#/

Don’t miss out—get involved, have some fun, and make a difference for Children’s Attention Home and the F3 Fort Mill Community Scholarship! 💥

TClap |
0

The Tortoise and The Hare

Leave a comment

A Hare was making fun of the Tortoise one day for being so slow.
‘Do you ever get anywhere?’ he asked with a mocking laugh.
‘Yes,’ replied the Tortoise, ‘and I get there sooner than you think. I’ll run you a race and prove it.’

The Hare was much amused at the idea of running a race with the Tortoise, but for the fun of the thing he agreed. So the Fox, who had consented to act as judge, marked the distance and started the runners off.

The Hare was soon far out of sight, and to make the Tortoise feel very deeply how ridiculous it was for him to try a race with a Hare, he lay down beside the course to take a nap until the Tortoise should catch up.

The Tortoise meanwhile kept going slowly but steadily, and, after a time, passed the place where the Hare was sleeping. But the Hare slept on very peacefully; and when at last he did wake up, the Tortoise was near the goal. The Hare now ran his swiftest, but he could not overtake the Tortoise in time.

After the race, the Tortoise and the Hare reflected on their experience and realized that they could learn from each other. The Tortoise admired the Hare’s speed and agility, while the Hare respected the Tortoise’s determination and steady pace. Over time, they became good friends.

To celebrate their newfound friendship and the lesson they learned, the Tortoise and the Hare decided to organize an annual relay race for all the animals in the forest. This relay race would commemorate their initial rivalry and highlight the importance of both speed and persistence.

In the relay race, teams of animals would pair up with one fast runner and one steady runner, working together to complete the course. The Tortoise and the Hare served as ambassadors for the event, encouraging all the animals to participate and cheering on every team, regardless of their speed.

The relay race became a beloved tradition. The friendship between the Tortoise and the Hare remained a symbol of unity and cooperation, reminding everyone that they could achieve great things by appreciating and supporting each other.

Team Registration

The Tortoise and The Hare will be a relay CSAUP with equal amounts of Ruckers(Tortoises) and Runners (Hares). Teams can consist of 2, 4 or 6 players.
No team? Show up and you’ll be added onto one!

Rules:

Each person runs a lap on a track as fast as possible, handing off to the next leg. Ruck weight has to be at least 30#. The distance covered will be 12 miles.

  • 2 man team – 6 miles (24 laps)/person
  • 4 man team – 3 miles (12 laps)/person
  • 6 man team – 2 miles (8 laps)/person

The TWIST:

  • Teams can mix and match who runs and who rucks, but it has to alternate between running slick and rucking.
  • E.g. Person 1 runs lap 1 slick. Person 2 rucks lap 2. Person 3 runs slick, person 4 rucks, etc. until all laps are complete.

Registration:

Pick your team size, name, and members and register at the link below

Team Registration

No team? Show up and you’ll be added onto one!

TClap |
0