“Faster, faster, run, run!” shouted dozens of drill instructors Saturday. “This is a race. Why are you walking? Run! Run!”

Drill instructors shout orders as a runner finishes the cargo rope obstacle. Photo by Chris Stone
Drill instructors shout orders as a runner finishes the cargo rope obstacle. Photo by Chris Stone

About 2,000 civilian entrants got an earful as more than 60 Marine DIs yelled “encouragement” at the 14th annual Boot Camp Challenge at the Marine Corps Recruit Depot downtown.

They paid $45 a person for the privilege of being berated and the option of having their hair shorn.

Heat and humidity were no obstacles to the runners who completed the three-mile course including hay jumps, tunnel crawls, log hurdles, six-foot wall climbs, trenches, cargo net walls and push-up stations — about 40 challenges.

Three- and five-person teams also took part, including children and retired folks making their way through obstacles used by Marine newbies.

Awards went to the top three finishers in 29 categories divided into age groups, individual performances and team performances.

Proceeds from the event go to the Quality of Life programs for Marines and sailor stations at MCRD San Diego.

Runners make it over logs in the obstacle course portion of the 5K. Photos by Chris Stone
Joseph and Jessica Martinez cross the finish line together. They dedicated her run to their father who served as a Marine. Photo by Chris Stone
Participants make it over a 6-foot wall. Photo by Chris Stone
Some runners took advantage of free haircuts before the race. Photo by Chris Stone
Arm in arm, a team finishes the Boot Camp Challenge. Photo by Chris Stone
MCRD barber Tran Ha gave runners a traditional Marine buzz cut before the race. Photo by Chris Stone
A large team crosses the finish line of the Marine Boot Camp Challenge. Photo by Chris Stone
A runner laughs as his brother gets his hair cut. His turn was next. Photo by Chris Stone
A drill instructor shouts orders as a competitor goes over a log. Photos by Chris Stone
A boy jumps over a log as Drill Instructor Maldonado tells him to move faster. Photo by Chris Stone
A drill instructor went over safety rules before the race. Photo by Chris Stone
A drill instructor went over safety rules before the race. Photo by Chris Stone
Runners yell “yes, sir” as they get a safety briefing before the race. Photo by Chris Stone
Drill instructors shout orders as a runner finishes the cargo rope obstacle. Photo by Chris Stone
A drill instructor urges a runner to go faster. Photo by Chris Stone
A Marine demonstrates perfect push-up technique for runners before the race. Photo by Chris Stone
“Get out,” “Get out,” drill instructors shouted as runners went through tunnels. Photo by Chris Stone
About 2,000 runners took on the Marine Corps Boot Camp Challenge. Photo by Chris Stone
Runners are ordered out of the tunnels as they made their way through the three-mile course. Photo by Chris Stone
Runners shouted and did push-ups before the race. Photo by Chris Stone
A runner’s shirt expresses her emotion as she makes her way through the Boot Camp Challenge at MCRD. Photo by Chris Stone