US Military Endurance Sports

USMES Team Chronos Program

The USMES Team Chronos Program expands opportunities for regionally influential masters athletes and para-athletes. These athletes have dedicated themselves to achieving success in their athletic passion as well as their military and/or civilian profession. While achieving lofty personal goals, these athletes also support others in their community.

Members of the USMES Team Chronos Program help active and Veteran members of the US Armed Forces be fit for duty and fit for life by actively engaging and mentoring members of the USMES club, as well those in the larger military community. USMES Team Chronos athletes love to race and love the endurance sports lifestyle; they also seek to inspire, advise and motivate others; are passionate and share their enthusiasm; and show others what is possible.

USMES Team Chronos athletes are selected annually by USMES staff to represent USMES and its partners. The team includes a full spectrum of athletes and para-athletes across all five U.S. armed services competing in triathlon, cycling (road, track, cyclocross, and mountain biking), running and para-athletics.

Benefits of being a part of the USMES Team Chronos Program include:

  • Complimentary USMES membership
  • USMES racing and training uniforms
  • Exclusive USMES Team Chronos Program offers and discounts
  • Reimbursement allowance to help offset the costs of race entries, travel, equipment, product and additional clothing
  • Discounted registration and lodging at USMES Training Camp
  • Team camaraderie

Interested?  For more information on the USMES Team Chronos program, please read the below FAQs or contact mandy.midgett@usmes.org.

Applications for the USMES Team Chronos Program

NOW CLOSED FOR THE 2020 SEASON

Please stay tuned in the fall for next season's application listings.

USMES Team Chronos Program FAQs

What is the scope of the USMES Team Chronos Program?

The USMES Team Chronos Program supports a full spectrum of masters endurance athletes, including and not limited to athletes participating in triathlon, cycling (road, track, cyclocross, and mountain biking), running and para-athletics. While the program endeavors to support the highest level we realistically can within each discipline, preference is given to athletes with strong community ties. The USMES Team Chronos Program operates on an annual basis, with a new team selected each October, and a competitive season running from January to December.

What is the focus of the USMES Team Chronos Program?

The mission of the USMES Team Chronos Program is to provide USMES members and potential members with a connection to athletes whom they can identify with, and look to for motivation, insights, and mentorship. Our USMES Team Chronos athletes are flagship members of USMES who embrace our vision and carry out our mission of building a preeminent community of active and Veteran service members engaged in a healthy lifestyle through endurance sports. The USMES Team Chronos Program will amplify the influence of military athletes who have demonstrated both the desire to mentor others and the talent, skills, motivation and work ethic to compete at a regional, national, or international level.

How is the USMES Team Chronos Program funded, and what level of support is granted?

The USMES Team Chronos Program is funded entirely through contributions to USMES of either cash or product.  Athletes are provided clothing and product, in some cases equipment will be offered for purchase at a deeply discounted rate.  Additionally, reimbursement is provided for travel and entry fees.  The program does not fully fund or fully support athletes.  It is meant to offset costs that athletes incur.  At the highest levels of competition, athletes may also be supported through other avenues, such as national team programs.

Does USMES have a “development” program below the Team Chronos level?

USMES has numerous support structures in place for its members, from club purchase deals and team focus events to entry fee reimbursements that are equivalent to or better than what most age group and Category 3-5 athletes would see on their own or through regional or local programs.  USMES focuses on making the club experience as beneficial as possible, especially for those seeking to race frequently and aspire to higher levels.

What do you look for in a selectee and what advice do you have for aspiring USMES Team Chronos Program members?

The sponsor-supported world of endurance sports is focused on athletes who are marketable and who are able to balance the demands of military/work life, athletic excellence, and personal interaction. We are looking for masters racers who are the best representatives of USMES, the best leaders in their community, and the most inspiring example of athletes who have continued to improve because of or in spite of their age. While our first criteria is community involvement, we prefer Team Chronos athletes who can provide visibility and positive exposure for USMES, its partners and the military in general through regular media exposure. Examples include frequent participation and positive results in local, regional and national events, and regular use of social media and any other relevant media outlets to promote sponsors and USMES.