Participants run during the Mission Ready Triathlon on May 2 at Classified Fitness in Yuba City, where teams and solo competitors completed a ski, air bike and 5K challenge to support local airmen and military families.

YUBA CITY, CA (MPG) - A new community fitness fundraiser brought teams together in Yuba City to support airmen and military families connected to Beale Air Force Base.

The Mission Ready Triathlon, held May 2 at Classified Fitness in Yuba City, was the first fundraiser to benefit the Community Military Appreciation Committee and raised more than $5,000, according to organizer Maria Ball.

CMAC supports military members and their families as they transition into the Yuba-Sutter and Placer communities. According to the committee, its mission is to foster a welcoming environment, connect military families with local businesses and services, offer assistance, build community connections and enhance quality of life for service members and their families.

Volunteers help participants check in during the Mission Ready Triathlon on May 2 at Classified fitness in Yuba City.

“The Mission Ready Triathlon is a community fitness fundraiser held in partnership with Classified Fitness to support the Airmen’s Market at Beale Air Force Base,” Ball said. “Funds raised help provide food, essential household items and emergency support to local airmen and military families.”

Participants completed a fitness challenge that included a 1,500-meter ski, 15-kilometer air bike ride and 5K run. Divisions included men’s solo, women’s solo, teams of up to three and fun teams of up to six, with teammates allowed to divide the events as desired.

Ball said the event also drew support from Beale leadership, including Col. McCleese, wing commander, who participated on a three-person team that placed third overall. McCleese also spoke during the event about the importance of CMAC and the Airmen’s Market in helping airmen offset basic living expenses.

“Airmen make the same pay in California as they do in other states, and it costs so much more to live here,” Ball said.

CMAC is still refining its mission, according to Ball, but the organization is already focused on several support efforts, including Spouses Connections, Operation Warm Heart and the Airmen’s Market.

Mission Ready Triathlon participants pose for an awards photo May 2 at Classified Fitness in Yuba City after completing the community fitness fundraiser benefiting the Airman’s Market at Beale Air Force Base.

Spouses Connections helps incoming military families build local networks and find support, while Operation Warm Heart provides emergency financial relief through the First Sergeants Council. The Airmen’s Market offers pantry goods and household items to help enlisted members stretch their budgets between paydays.

Classified Fitness hosted the event with additional support from sponsors including Union 228, Antonio’s Quick Lunch, Blue Zones Project Yuba-Sutter, Adventist Health, BMLC, Precision Koncepts, Hilbers and Express Employment Professionals.

Ball said she hopes the fundraiser becomes part of a broader effort to strengthen community support for Beale’s airmen and military families.

“We appreciate when we have fundraisers, the community always steps up,” Ball said. “When the need arises, Placer, Yuba and Sutter counties answer.”