If we needed any proof that the OCR season is underway, the last couple of weeks has surely proven it. Internationally, some of our favorite races peppered the globe, with London South England Dirty Dozen, Sydney Australia Raw Challenge, Madrid Spain Farinato Race, and Munich Germany Spartan Sprint. In the US, we were no slouches ourselves, hitting both coasts and plenty of states in between, our community took the country by storm and is showing no signs of slowing down.
And if mud and obstacles took a backseat to long miles, wild vans, friends and one heck of a finish line party, you were likely taking part in one of the most beautifully organized race series in the country, Ragnar Relay Race Series – this last week taking place out of Austin. If you have not done one of these bad boys yet – they have a whole season ahead, both trail and road – and they sell out FAST.
But back to the mud…
SPARTAN STADIUM RACE – NY CITIFIELD
Always a popular event for Spartan, this favorite did not disappoint. If you have not done a stadium race before, it is a unique experience, with no mud, lots of Crossfit inspired obstacles and LOTS of stairs (activity trackers were showing anywhere from 70-90 flights). Even the kids race stepped it up with mini spear throws and five burpee penalties. Team OCR GEAR/ICEBUG athlete Ron Lenczewski was there and told us that Spartan has begun giving wristbands to both the parents and the children for the Kid’s Race, which as a parent, that extra level of safety is much welcomed. He also mentioned the SPECIAL SPARTANS. “On hand for the kid’s race were a group of racers dressed up as Superheroes. It has become a tradition for them. If you are ever at a Spartan Race, you HAVE to watch or even assist with a Special Spartans heat. These kids are just amazing individuals.” I could not agree more.
Topping the podium at Citifield was Brakken Kraker, Matt Novakovich and Frankie DiSomma for the men, and for the women, Kate Cramer, Cassidy Watton and Elise Fugowski.
Pictures courtesy of Spartan Race
TOUGH MUDDER – SOUTHERN CALIFORNIA
Tough Mudder kicked off its West Coast season in SoCal, to a large crowd of dedicated Mudders and new fans alike. Known for combining strength challenges, fear busters, and genuine FUN, it is never any wonder why they continuously knock it out of the park every time. Now with the addition of their somewhat controversial “Tough Mudder Half”, they brought in a whole new group of fans who may have been intimidated to do the full-length course. We at MRG love any idea that grows our sport and applaud the idea. Turns out, so did a lot of others.
“Spartan Dave” (aka David Cantu) was there purely to cover the event and reported back with rave reviews. “Yesterday was my first time ever at Tough Mudder. The hills that surrounded Glen Helen Raceway were utilized in a most diabolical way to destroy people's legs as they ascended them throughout the first part of the race. The obstacles like Block Ness Monster and Pyramid Scheme really tested those competing, but at the same time they were having a blast doing them. King of Swingers in particular really brought out people's fears, but with the support of the crowd, they got through it. The Mini-Mudder was my favorite memory from the start event though. Watching little ones do the obstacles and then helping one another at that age, made my heart smile. It was a great initiation into what TM was all about.”
Pictures courtesy of Chris Cow
WARRIOR DASH – GEORGIA
With all of the recent back and forth about whether Warrior Dash is challenging enough, it certainly did not seem to hurt their fan base. Always consistently fun, they brought it out in full-force, providing a great day for anyone wanting to spend a weekend with friends, family, and mud.
Georgia Obstacle Racers and Mud Runners (GORMR) member Delaine Anderson, has done an impressive amount of races, and this was her first Warrior Dash. The only complaint she had was that she had not tried one sooner. “How is it that someone who has been running in obstacle races since 2011 has not done a Warrior Dash… the iconic “entry drug” race for people in our sport? I was excited as soon as I entered the festival area. The announcer at the start line delivered in a big way, working up the excitement and energy and letting us know how much Warrior Dash has raised for St. Jude's Research – a great cause! The course itself was described aptly as a “runner's course”. It had plenty of rolling hills and tons of beautiful scenery. The obstacles were doable by most and lots of fun. The only complaint I heard about the course was that it ended too soon!”
Stepping up to the winner’s plate for the men, was Yuri Force. On the women's side, Shenoa Creer, Jennie Maldonado, and Natalia Firment grabbing the spots for the women.
Pictures courtesy of Chen Maupin
BATTLEFROG – DALLAS TX
BattleFrog Series loves Texas, and Texas loves BattleFrog. And with the addition of the lanes of varied difficulty, there is now more BattleFrog to love for more people. You may also have noticed that Christopher “Beard” Acord has been taking a more supervisory role recently, allowing some very talented new Race Directors, such as this week’s Adam Washburn to develop their personal styles and bring them to the table, giving BattleFrog something new to experience with every race.
Taking the podium in third place for the women, was Team OCR GEAR/ICEBUG badass beauty Nikki Call, and she offered up some glowing words about the day.
“I LOVE BATTLEFROGS! Saturday was my fourth, and every course I have done, was designed to push you to your personal limits. Testing your grip, core, body strength and mental capabilities. The Dallas course was a true test to all of those things. Adam Washburn succeeded in making one of the best courses I've done yet.”
Joining Nikki on the podium for the women, were Alexandra Walker and Wendy Warner and leading the pack for the men were BattleFrog Team member Ryan Atkins in first, followed closely by Beni Gifford and Van Tran.
Pictures courtesy of Ryan Atkins and Nikki Call
CONQUER THE GAUNTLET – WICHITA KANSAS
Welcome to the 2016 season Conquer The Gauntlet! One of the most challenging and highly-anticipated small series, Conquer the Gauntlet hit the ground running with a course so contesting, that it did not yield a single elite female finishing having completed every obstacle. Here is the thing, though – you will not hear a single one of them complaining. As daunting as it is, it is a blast for everyone, whether they complete the obstacles or not. The obstacles are innovative, exciting and if you are a spectator – a whole lot of fun to watch.
Third place finisher, and CTG team member, Cody Peyton had this to say about the course;
“This was a new location for CTG Wichita, and you couldn't of asked for a better one. They had open fields so spectators could walk the course and view most obstacles and tough terrain with ample hills, and 9 water crossings. Their obstacle placement was also calculated, with Cliffhanger and Stairway to Heaven back to back, soon followed by a long heavy carry, leading to Pegatron, 5 walls, and More Cowbell. Overall 10 out of 10!”
Joining Cody on the podium were Jordan Buscemi and Bryce Robinson. Well done, everyone who came out to face and conquer their own personal bests at this great event!
Pictures courtesy of Randi Lackey and Christina HB Armstrong
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