Triple 8 Challenge boosts fitness, raises funds Published Sept. 12, 2013 By Senior Airman Xavier Navarro 319th Air Base Wing Public Affairs GRAND FORKS AIR FORCE BASE, N.D. -- The 319th Logistics Readiness Squadron Logistics Officers' Association (LOA) hosted the Triple 8 Fitness Challenge Sept. 5 at the base outdoor running track. The Triple 8 Fitness Challenge was designed to test the physical conditioning limits of Air Force athletes and to distinguish an elite group that sets the fitness standard. The event was funded by several private organizations, including the Top3, Network 5/6 and LOA, and the goal was to raise money through pledges and donations to offset the prices of tickets for Airmen attending the 2013 Air Force Ball. "We want to send as many Airmen to the Air Force Ball as possible and this event is going to help do that by raising money through pledges and donations based upon the athletes today," said Capt. Brett Kuhrt, 319th Force Support Squadron Sustainment Services Flight commander. Those who met the challenge will receive base-wide recognition and set a mark for others to aspire to. In order to achieve the title of Triple 8 athlete, a participant was required to accomplish, at minimum, 80 pushups in one minute, 80 sit-ups in one minute and a 1 ½-mile run in a time of 8 minutes, 59 seconds or faster. The team category consisted of three-member teams, with each member completing a single component, excluding height, weight and body composition. Teams were comprised of members from the same unit and each unit was limited to a single team. In order for a team to achieve the Triple 8 they must collectively meet the aforementioned criteria. The final results will be announced later this month.