GMC Prep will host the second annual Bulldog Invitational Raider Challenge Saturday morning at the Oconee River Greenway. The JROTC cadets will go through several grueling events throughout the day.

MILLEDGEVILLE, Ga. — People enjoying all that the Oconee River Greenway has to offer Saturday need not be alarmed if they see a group of high school kids running around the river walk carrying a litter as it’s just the second annual Bulldog Invitational Raider Challenge taking place. The event is hosted by Georgia Military College Prep School.

Twenty-one teams from 10 different schools’ JROTC programs from around the state will participate in the competition that combines both military and athletic skills. The challenge is divided into three categories: female, male and mixed (minimum of four females) teams of 10 with two alternates who can substitute in on different events. High school Raider competitions are modeled after the Army ROTC Ranger Challenge at the college level.

The Bulldog Invitational begins at 9 a.m. with a 2.3-mile team run. From there, teams will rotate through different events throughout the rest of the day that will challenge the cadets’ strength, speed and stamina such as an obstacle course and cross country rescue. The rescue challenge entails a 1.2-mile run with teammates sharing the weight of between 80 and 100 lbs. on a litter and six 40-lb. rucksacks. Other events include building and crossing a rope bridge as well as a gauntlet where teams will navigate through obstacles with heavy objects. The awards ceremony is scheduled for 3 p.m.

The mixed Raider team at GMC Prep has enjoyed success in recent years, winning the national competition last year as well as state in 2014.

“The mixed team were the national champions last year, so now we’re working hard to get ready for region, state and nationals that are coming up later this fall,” said the school’s senior JROTC instructor, Lt. Col. David Lewis.

Lewis added that this year’s participation at the Bulldog Invitational is on par with the inaugural year.

The region Raider meet will take place Oct. 8 at Spalding High School.

“I’m proud of our team,” Lewis said of this year’s cadets. “Our kids are competitors and they’re working hard.”

The event is open to the public at no charge and concessions will be available at the Greenway. Those planning to attend are encouraged to bring a lawn chair to enjoy the day’s events.