Station Commander’s Cup 2016 – Soapbox Derby

This month’s Station Commander’s Cup event was the Soapbox Derby. It was a bright day with perfect conditions for the race which took place on the Coslett field and was designed to cover a distance of just under 1.3 miles ensuring the course used every hill, dip and parts of woodland possible to make the event challenging.

Each section made their own soapbox which would withstand the course but also fast enough to win. Each had its own unique style with a Wacky Races theme. Sections decided upon a team name, Personnel Management Squadron (PMS) and Supply Movements Training Wing (SMTW) called themselves ‘Charlies Angels’ and ‘Team Shaz’ with a Penelope Pitstop theme. Initial Force Protection Flight (IFPT) had three teams, ‘Red Baron’ and ‘Naughty Little Kittens’ but IFPT Field Support decided not to create a name for their soapbox, last but not least was Central Training School (CTS) who called themselves ‘Team Turbo’.

All personnel and soapboxes mustered at the start line with individual team photos being taken, followed by a group photo just in case they failed to survive the course. A thorough safety brief was delivered and to ensure all sections were happy, they partly walked the course prior to the start.

Claire Pearce, fitness facilities supervisor at the Burnett Gym, said: “The starting order was drawn out of a hat and teams set off at five minute intervals with one of the IFPT teams first to tackle the course. The ‘Red Baron’ team charged round the course to win in a time of five minutes 42 seconds, followed by SMTW, CTS and PMS. As it was a CO’s Cup event only one soapbox would count towards the scores.

“Once all teams had completed their first run, positions were announced. Teams were then invited to attempt a second run to better their times and only PMS and SMTW chose to run the course again but unfortunately failed to improve on their first run.

“After the event we gathered in the Sergeant’s Mess where Group Captain Adrian Burns read out the results and presented the trophy to the winning section. Food was provided by ESS and the Sergeant’s Mess bar was open so the participants could have well-deserved refreshments after their race. I would like to take this opportunity to thank every section for their hard work and effort, not only their soapboxes but also their outfits.”

Results from the day.

The winners were IFPT, followed by SMTW, and third were CTS. Pictured is Cpl Jason Leverton who received the trophy from the Station Commander.