The University of Arkansas at Little Rock Military Student Success Center is partnering with the Arkansas National Guard Officer Candidate School (GOLD Program) to host a public event featuring a 4.5-mile obstacle course on March 14.

The first “Trojan Warrior Games” will be held from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. on the UA Little Rock campus. The event will give members of the community a chance to interact and learn about military students and programs and their impact in the community.

“It’s good for the community to interact with the military, especially the National Guard,” said Second Lieutenant Davis Morris. “The camaraderie building that you can get from an event like this will only aid in bringing a good light to the National Guard. We’re eager to show how we can help make a difference in the community.”

The UA Little Rock chapter of Students Affected by the Military, the Arkansas Guard Officer Leadership Development program, and Sheep Dog Impact Assistance are also sponsoring the event.

The “Trojan Warrior Games” will feature multiple events for individuals or teams of five. The competition will allow for three different divisions based on ability, including military/athletic, high school, and beginner. All teams are competing for prizes based on the fastest completion time of the obstacle course in their division.

The obstacles include crossing a 100-foot rope, scaling a 10-foot climbing wall as a team, carrying a litter with a dummy to the top of Stabler Hall, a 100-meter swim to be completed by one person, and one-half of a modified CrossFit routine called The Murph Challenge.

The challenge honors Navy Lt. Michael Murphy, who died in Afghanistan in June 2005, and includes runs, 100 jumping jacks, 200 push-ups, and 300 air squats, all while carrying a 20-pound vest or body armor. Each participant will be asked to carry a backpack filled with 20 pounds of dry food or water, which will be donated to the Trojan Food Pantry after the event.

All of the proceeds from the event will fund scholarships and other services that assist military veterans who are earning their college degree.

The entry free is $20 per person or $85 for a team of five. Register online.

For more information, contact Second Lieutenant David Morris at 501-681-8745 or dvmorris@ualr.edu.