USOCRC: Pro vs. Age Group Open – 2 Options, Which One?

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7 years ago

The Inaugural United States OCR Championships are just over 4 months away, kicking off on September 2 at YO Ranch HQ in Mountain Home, TX with the 3k short course followed by the 15k standard course on Sunday, 9/3. While some athletes are deciding on either the 3k or 15k or tackling both, the bigger decision comes from whether or not athletes need to – or should qualify for the Pro Division.

2 Races, 2 Divisions

Competition at the inaugural United States Obstacle Course Racing Championships is divided into two categories: Pro or Age Group.

Athletes wishing to compete in the Pro Division in either the 3k or 15k events must qualify to compete by meeting criteria outlined here of these US-based events between September 1, 2016, and August 14, 2017. Athletes are required to submit proof of results at the time of registration. Please note that this requirement does not apply to athletes competing in Age Group Divisions.

Athletes wishing to compete in the Age Group Division do not need to qualify at all to take part in the event and challenge themselves on the same course and obstacles as the top OCR athletes in America.

3k & 15k Courses

3K SHORT COURSE CHAMPIONSHIPS 9/2 – PRO DIVISION ($90)

Compete for cash and prizes as a Pro over an obstacle-intense 3-kilometer (1.8 miles) course.

3K SHORT COURSE CHAMPIONSHIPS 9/2 – AGE GROUP ($60)

Compete against others in your age group over an obstacle-intense 3-kilometer (1.8 miles) course.

15K STANDARD DISTANCE CHAMPIONSHIP 9/3 – PRO DIVISION ($175)

Compete for cash and prizes in the exclusive Pro division and tackle over 15 kilometers (9.3 miles) and some of the best obstacles in the sport.

15K STANDARD DISTANCE CHAMPIONSHIP 9/3 – AGE GROUP ($130)

Compete against others in your age group over 15 kilometers (9.3 miles) of rugged terrain and some of the most intense obstacles in the sport.

Who Are You Racing Against?

It's pretty simple; if you're a top tier athlete looking to take a shot at winning some of the prize purse and can meet qualifying criteria, the Pro Division is the way to go. If you're an OCR enthusiast like me whose only time on the podium is a pre-race photo, then the Age Group “Open” Division seems like the best bet – same course, same obstacles, and same challenge to keep your USOCRC band! You'll be racing with athletes from your same age group (or at least starting with them) so you can see how you stack up with other athletes your same age.

Now, if your ability and drive puts you in-between those categories, it's a little bit of a more complicated decision; do you want to know how you stack up with the best-of-the-best American OCR athletes and race head-to-head with the pros, or are you content with competing against the exact same course side-by-side with athletes within your 5-year age group? The Pro Division features the big glory and prize money, while the Age Group Division is a $30-$45 less and just as demanding on the course – plus, you can pick your own rivalries within your age group vs. challenging ALL the pros!

Don't Miss Out

The Inaugural United States OCR Championships is right around the corner; if you're looking to race the Pro Division, you better get your butt in gear and qualify soon! Age Group Division athletes can register at any point, but don't wait too long and miss out, there's already talk of instituting the full OCRWC rules next year requiring all athletes to qualify – get your shot at this awesome course while you can!