WATCH: Local photographer first to complete Iron Ranger Challenge

Aaron Brewer discusses the completion of the 2021 Iron Ranger Challenge on Friday. - Photo by Richard Rasmussen of The Sentinel-Record
Aaron Brewer discusses the completion of the 2021 Iron Ranger Challenge on Friday. - Photo by Richard Rasmussen of The Sentinel-Record

Local photographer Aaron Brewer, who describes himself as "not a huge go-getter" in terms of exercise, is the first person in the state to complete the 2021 Iron Ranger Challenge by walking 100 miles in Hot Springs National Park in the first 13 days of the new year.

Brewer said he was "kind of" trying to be the first this year, noting, "When I saw the challenge initially it was 100 miles, and last year I did about 1,700, so I said I'm certainly going to reach that, so I just kind of said, yeah, might as well try to be the first one to finish."

But 1,700 miles of tracked physical exercise in a year has not always been part of Brewer's lifestyle. He said his active streak started two weeks into the pandemic last spring.

"I'm not a huge go-getter in terms of exercise -- not a fan of it," he said. "Really what started it was during the pandemic last year, we were two weeks in, and I said I can't keep up this pace. I said I have to get out and do something and stay active, so I just started coming out and doing a handful of miles here and there and just kind of got into such a habit with it. And now I feel odd if I don't do it, which isn't usually me and physical activity."

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Brewer said as someone with a "foot problem," walking is his favorite form of physical exercise because it gets him out in nature. He completed most of the Iron Ranger challenge walking primarily the roadways of North Mountain, Hot Springs Mountain and some of West Mountain. Taking one day off, he walked the 100 miles in 12 of the 13 days it took him to complete the challenge.

Some of his favorite scenic views in the park along the way were the overlook on Hot Springs Mountain in front of the mountain tower, and the overlook at the top of North Mountain.

Hot Springs National Park Ranger Ashley Waymouth said it's unusual for challengers to complete the Iron Ranger Challenge so early into the year.

"Aaron completed it in basically less than two weeks, so yeah, that's pretty fast," Waymouth said. "Especially considering how cold it's been lately; the fact that he just braved all kinds of weather conditions to make it happen is really a testament to his dedication to completing it."

While Brewer completed all of the Iron Ranger Challenge in Hot Springs National Park, as a statewide challenge it can be completed on any public land with any physical exercise like walking, running, hiking, biking, swimming or paddling.

The challenge began in 2016 at Buffalo National River to commemorate the National Park Service's 100th Anniversary. Since this year is HSNP's 100th Anniversary, Waymouth said Buffalo National River allowed them to host for 2021.

"Every year there is a patch that is given to everybody who completes the challenge," Waymouth said. "Our patch and certificate this year have a little commemoration nod, I guess you can say, to Hot Springs National Park. So it has like an image of people biking, paddling and hiking on mountains and in rivers, and at the bottom it says 'Celebrating 100 years with Hot Springs National Park.'"

She said they ask challengers to keep track of their mileage any way they want to -- whether by using a smartwatch, an app, or manually with pen and paper. Brewer used the app "Strava." Once a challenger gets to 100 miles, the mileage can be mailed to Buffalo National River, 2021 Iron Ranger Challenge, 402 N. Walnut Street, Suite 136, Harrison, AR, 72601, or emailed from the web page https://www.nps.gov/hosp/getinvolved/2021-iron-ranger-challenge.htm.

Patches and certificates will be mailed out accordingly. Anyone in the state can participate.

"This challenge, just because Aaron's the first, it doesn't mean the challenge is over, by any means," Waymouth said. "It extends all year long, and you know we really want it to be something that everybody can enjoy, so people of all skill levels and of all, I guess, aptitudes, can really get involved. You know if you just hike 2 miles a week for the next 50 weeks, there you are, you've got it, so you know it's all about baby steps and it's definitely accomplishable by anyone who sets their mind to it.

"It's really about getting out and exploring Arkansas public lands because, you know, we are so lucky to live in the natural state where we have so many opportunities to explore and get outside, and we hope people will definitely step up to the challenge and become Iron Rangers this year."

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