Joint Base San Antonio-Randolph, Texas -- The first-ever Chapman Ultra Resilience Run took place on November 16 at Joint Base San Antonio-Chapman Training Annex, offering participants a chance to test their physical limits. The event, open to all Department of Defense ID cardholders, featured 10, 20, and 30-mile run options.
Staff Sgt. Jonathan Fischer, a SERE Specialist with the 66th Training Squadron Detachment 3, directed the race. For Fischer, the event was deeply personal, as it represented a triumph over his own struggles. In August 2022, he found himself at a crossroads contemplating suicide, but instead chose to run, embarking on a journey of self-discovery and resilience.
"I had no desire to live anymore, but I chose to run," Fischer said, reflecting on his past. "I accepted an invitation to my first ultra-marathon in October 2022, and I haven't looked back since." Since then, he has completed 19 ultra-marathons, including two 100-milers and a 200-miler. Fischer plans to tackle the Arizona Monster, a 300-mile race, in 2025.
Fischer's transformation was not just about physical endurance but also about building mental, emotional, and spiritual resilience. "I realized that in order to increase resilience in my life, I needed to increase resistance in my life," he explained. "I didn't have a plan; I just followed my heart."
The Chapman Ultra Resilience Run was made possible through the support of the 502nd Force Support Squadron who provided water, snacks, and electrolytes for the runners. The 802nd Security Forces Squadron and 502nd Civil Engineering Squadron also provided assistance with course setup and maintenance.
"We couldn't have made this event happen without the support of these organizations," Fischer said. "Their contributions were instrumental in making the Chapman Ultra Resilience Run a success."
The event drew 45 runners, many of whom had never attempted a long distance run before. Despite the challenges, they persevered, inspired by Fischer's story and philosophy. "I choose life every day," he said. "I choose to do hard things for a purpose where fear is a prerequisite and courage is a requirement. I choose to be forged through momentary discomfort to be forged into the person I know I can be. This is my Phase One."
The Chapman Ultra Resilience Run and Fischer's story served as a reminder that, no matter the challenges we face, we always have the choice to persevere and emerge stronger.
"Choose life every day," Fischer urged. "Be courageous, be audacious, be relentless in your pursuit of progress. Define resilience through chosen resistance. Inspire yourself/inspire others. When life gets hard, carry on. Repeat."