Eastern students will have the chance to test their physical strength and experience a summarized Marine Corps training exercise Saturday.

The Marine Corps will host the Marine Corps Combat Fitness Challenge from noon to 3 p.m. at O’Brien Field.

 All students with a Panthercard can participate.

Capt. August Christhilf, a Marine Corps officer selection officer, explained the challenge is a modified version of the Marine Corps Combat Fitness Test all Marines must complete annually to measure their fitness level.

The challenge “is an opportunity for students to test themselves against that measure,” he said.

The challenge will be shorter and easier so that students can experience what it takes to be a Marine while still having fun, Christhilf said.

“It’s basically a drill which tests your speed, agility, endurance and overall determination,” he said.

O’Brien Field will be divided into four lanes, and the challenge will involve several steps that correspond to actual Marine Corps training.

Students will start the challenge crawling on their hands and knees then zigzag their way through a series of traffic cones on their feet.

Once through the cones, students will drag another student to a point and then carry them on their back to the end of the lane. 

At the end of the lane, students will pick up two 30-pound ammunition cans and run them to the middle of the lane. 

Here, students will throw a fake grenade into a square on the field before running the ammunition cans to the beginning of the lane.

Christhilf said while the challenge might not sound intense, students will be pushed to go as fast as they can to test their endurance.

“It’s a challenge,” he said. “This is all on the run, moving as fast as you can.”

Marines will supervise students as they go through the challenge and encourage them to push themselves, Christhilf said.

Students will go through the challenge as groups to compete for prizes, and those with the lowest times will receive prizes such as Marine duffle bags, water bottles, T-shirts and other Marine gear.

As well, students with low times can earn points for their Greek houses and resident halls.

Students interested in participating can sign up for the Marine Corps Combat Fitness Challenge through the Eastern Student Recreation website, as well as watch a video walkthrough of the challenge.

Even if there is rain or cold temperatures Saturday, Christhilf said the challenge will continue.

“Marines train in all conditions,” he said. “So if it rains, we will just be wet.”

Tim Deters can be reached at 581-2812 or tadeters@eiu.edu.