Next up in my new Bad Ass Kids of OCR series, meet Kai To. He is a 10-year-old kid that loves to run, play and get dirty. I was very impressed when reading his story that at 7 years old he finished the full adult version of the Dooms Day Dash. He has the OCR fire in his belly, and I hope you enjoy getting to know him as much as I did.
Please tell us a bit about yourself.
I am 10 years old and I’m addicted to Fortnite. I started racing when I was 3 or 4 years old.
What first sparked your interest in running OCR races?
My mom! Because it looked like she had fun and I wanted to try it.
Please tell us about your first OCR race?
Mud Hero Kids was my first OCR race when I was 6 years old. I ran 11 laps that day. It was a blast!
As a younger participant in the sport, what do you find your biggest struggles are?
Keeping up with the older kids. They always seem stronger and faster.
Do you prefer to run in the competitive waves or in open heats?
Competitive, because I am a competitive person.
How do you train for your obstacle course races?
I do training runs during the week and use the play structures at school.
What is the biggest obstacle that you are working to overcome?
Hmmm, probably rope climbing. It is my biggest weakness.
Do you play or participate in any other sports? If yes do you find this helps with your obstacle course racing?
Yes, I play tons of summer and winter sports. Everything from trail running, swimming to skiing. Pretty much anything as I love sports. Yes, it helps with OCR racing as it improves my leg and arm muscles.
As a younger athlete, who inspires you and why?
Cliff Trafford inspires me as I want to be a good runner like him and have stronger legs to help. with all my sports.
What has been your proudest OCR moment to date?
Finishing the adult course (7K) at Dooms Day Dash when I was just 7 years old and My first Spartan kids race last summer.
What has been your scariest OCR moment to date?
Nothing really. I have always had fun!
What big race goal are you working towards?
Completing a 15K run and maybe one day finishing a race in first place.
The OCR community is a family. Do you find that when you are racing you see people helping each other out on course?
Yes, a lot. I find other people very courteous on course especially the adults.
Have you ever done an obstacle course race with a parent or sibling? If so tell us about it?
Yes. Dooms Days Dash when I was just 7 years old. I loved the adult obstacles but was a bit short at the time to reach many of them lol.
Do you see yourself participating in OCR 5 years from now? If yes tell us why.
Maybe, because I have a lot of other hobbies I would like to explore.
From your perspective, what can race directors / OCR companies do more of to entice kids to run the course?
Offer prizes such as trophies or prize money.
What is one takeaway you have learned from running OCR races?
That it is ok if I can’t do an obstacle, just always try. Never give up.
Is there anything else you wish to share with us?
I love gaming, I have a cat named coconut and I’m grateful that I have a family to love.