Steve McCollum of West Chester, Ohio has been selected as our 2019 For Those Who Would OCR Humanitarian of the Year.  The award, which is co-sponsored by Mud Run Guide and North American OCR Championships, is given annually to an individual within the OCR community who consistently exhibits humanitarian traits off the course. Steve was selected from among a very strong group of finalists that included Carrie Lukins, Joey McGlamory, and Sean Valigura.

Steve has been a part of the OCR community for the past six years. He was a regular at the former Mud Guts & Glory race outside Cincinnati, Ohio and has been a staple at the OCR World Championships, where he has supported athletes with nutrition, kind words, and encouragement. His most valuable contributions, though, have been through his numerous efforts in caring for  children with special needs throughout the United States and the world.  He initiated the #OCRGivesBack mission trips to orphanages in Mexico and India and continues to recruit and support obstacle racers in their efforts to work with the under-served. The aspect that impressed the selection committee the most is his tireless on-the-ground and on-the-mission-field work to help kids. He was in Nigeria working with orphanages during this year's selection process and will be running a soccer camp for children with special needs the week prior to the awards ceremony. Steve has led several dozen Back2Back Ministries mission trips to orphanages across the world.  Add to that, the numerous soccer camps he has directed for young athletes with special needs, and it is easy to see the positive impact he has had on others' lives and why he was chosen as this year's recipient of the OCR Humanitarian Award.

All finalists will be honored and the award will be presented by Mud Run Guide in Stratton, Vermont at the North American OCR Championships on August 10, 2019.

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