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Mayor Rich Walker, Broward County Commissioner Michael Udine, Kevin Tacher, and Coral Springs Mayor Scott Brook. Photo by Jim Donnelly with ImageMasters.

By Sharon Aron Baron

The Parkland Equestrian Center was transformed into a boot camp-style obstacle course when 1,000 people competed in the 7th Annual Soldier Rush on Nov. 6.

Manuel Mair, a 17-year resident of Parkland, former Marine, and owner of One to One Fitness, created the annual challenge with the goal that participants must overcome various physical challenges such as climbing over walls, carrying objects, and more.

Included in this year’s Soldier Rush was a friendly competition between two mayors and a Broward County commissioner, with Rich Walker coming in first, Michael Udine in second, and Coral Springs Mayor Scott Brook in third.

Soldier Rush took a village to create, or, as Mair put it, “all hands on deck.” Thankfully his team at One to One Fitness, Kevin Tacher’s team at Independence Title, Commercial Relocation Group, Danielle Turner Photography, and the Marjory Stoneman Douglas JROTC were there helping set up, breaking down — or both.

“It’s grueling setting up the 20-acre event and every year,” said Mair, who added that every year he vows never to do it again since the setup and takedown for the event is a “physical beatdown.” But every year, he has a change of heart because everyone is so happy.

Soldier Rush creator and former Marine, Manny Mair with his parents Gloden and Bill Cotton. Photo by Jim Donnelly with ImageMasters.

“The community loves it,” said Mair. “ I love when people come up to me and ask about next year’s event. It’s extremely hard, but doable.”

More importantly, Mair is able to distribute the $14,000 in proceeds to nonprofits like Belief With Me, Honor Flight, Wounded Veterans Relief Fund, Parkland Cares, Naked Warrior Project, FOP Coral Springs, Coral Springs Parkland Fire Benevolence Association, Sheriff’s Foundation of Broward County, and the MSD Booster Club.

Presenting sponsor, Kevin Tacher said they were honored to help put on the 5k 40-obstacle event.

“It touches the lives of so many people in need right here in our local community.”

Photo by Jim Donnelly with ImageMasters.

1,000 Compete in 7th Annual Soldier Rush 1

Photo by Jim Donnelly with ImageMasters.

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Sharon Aron Baron

Sharon Aron Baron is a Parkland resident and editor of Talk Media. She has been covering Parkland news since 2012. Parkland Talk was created to provide News, Views, and Entertainment for the residents of Parkland.