Missoula to Host Regional Firefighter Combat Challenge July 4-5

The Missoula Combat Challenge Team, holding two World Championships and the current team World Record, will be hosting a regional competition in Missoula July 4th and 5th in Front of Sean Kelly’s at 130 W. Pine St.

The Scott Firefighter Combat Challenge was founded over 20 years ago, by Dr. Paul Davis, as a physical fitness research project at the University of Maryland. The Challenge is based out of Burtonsville, Maryland, and maintains a goal of promoting fitness within the first responder community.

The Missoula Fire Department has been competing in the Firefighter Combat Challenge since 1994. A combined Missoula Fire Department and Missoula Rural Fire District team won the world championship in 1997 and Missoula Fire won the team title again in 2001 that team time (4:19.33) still stands as the current World Record. World Records can only be set during the world championships. With the support of the community, the Missoula Fire Department has hosted regional competitions in 1997, 1998 and 2013.

2014-07-01_0942This year the Missoula Firefighter Combat Challenge is looking for adult teams for exhibition races.  Build a team of 3 to 5 and arrive at 11 am on Saturday July 5th for an orientation on the course. Your team can run and experience the thrill of the Firefighter Combat Challenge.

The event is family friendly. The Kid’s Firefighter Challenge is the logical extension in showcasing the American Fire service while at the same time promoting physical fitness. The Kids’ Challenge is an exciting adventure for any child who ever wanted to put on some fire gear and squirt a fire hose. The kid’s challenge is open to children 4 to 11.

Evening Musical entertainment begins around 6 on Friday July 4th in front of Sean Kelly’s. Local Missoula bands Ted Ness and the Rusty Nails and Joan Zenn will be featured.

To compete, volunteer, donate or for more information contact Justin Walsh at 406-360-6030.