By Carrie Hargett
Chattanooga Times Free Press (Tennessee)
Copyright 2006 Chattanooga Publishing Company
Dalton Fire Department’s relay team came in first place for the third straight year in the Fit to Fight foot race last weekend.
During the 14-hour race from 7 p.m. Friday to 9 a.m. Saturday, the firefighters had to run 75 miles in full turnout gear from the Capitol in Atlanta to the State Training Facility in Forsyth, Ga.
“Physically, it was pretty tough and grueling,” firefighter Zac Corley, 23, said. “About midnight, your body gets tired, but you just have to keep on.”
It was Mr. Corley’s first year to participate in the run, but he said he plans to run again next year.
“It was a lot of fun,” he said.
Each firefighter from Dalton averaged a leg of about 10 miles, firefighter recruit Katelen Farmer, 25, said. Ms. Farmer, also a first-timer, said she was the only woman from Dalton to participate.
“It’s really a life-changing experience,” she said. “We push ourselves really hard.”
Firefighter Douglas Kerns, 31, has competed for the past four years. He said the runners prepared for the race.
“We have a fitness program we participate in every shift,” he said. “We also ride bikes and work out.”
Four fire departments competed this year in the race, sponsored by Gold’s Gym to honor those who have been killed in the line of duty, and to recognize heart disease as the top killer of firefighters.
At all times, two firefighters from each team ran while wearing gear. The last half mile was a sprint to determine the winner, Mr. Kerns said.
The race was first held in 2002. However, it became a competition three years ago, which Dalton has won every year. The winners received a helmet with the American flag painted on it, officials said.