Menu
­

Faces at the Races

Many of you are probably aware that obstacle course racing (OCR) is the fastest growing sport in the world.  Several race series have already been featured on TV and nearly one hundred OCR training gyms have opened around the country.  Most of you probably know the top athletes who are battling for podium spots every week.  They get most of the media exposure, deservedly so, but what about the other 99% of racers made up of everyday athletes?  You know, the ones paying most of the registration fees for these races, buying products and training gear, spending their weekends traveling to race venues, etc.  No one seems to give them much attention…until now.

As a kid, I read the “Faces in the Crowd” section of Sports Illustrated where they wrote a paragraph about up-and-coming athletes in various sports.  I always thought how awesome it was that great athletes from minor sports finally got some recognition.  Now it’s time to do the same for the OCR community.

Mud Run Guide is proudly introducing a brand new series called Faces at the Races that focuses on the “other 99%” of racers.  Every week, we’ll conduct a new interview with racers from several different categories:

  • Up-and-coming Athletes
  • Weight loss  / Life-Change Success Stories
  • Motivating Parent, Siblings, Co-Workers
  • Passionate Supporters of the Sport of OCR
  • Youngsters Getting Involved in OCR & Mud Runs

We hope you enjoy Faces at the Races and feel free to nominate someone for the next feature by email now: mail@mudrunguide.com

Jack Bauer

Faces at the Races – Jack Bauer

By |February 8th, 2016|

I ran Division I track/cross-country at the University of New Hampshire but quit after being burnt out from years of 60+ mile weeks. I didn’t run a race for almost 2 years before getting the urge to compete again. I signed up for my first obstacle course race a couple years ago and was instantly hooked. At 6’1”, 185 lbs, I was always that runner who liked lifting, so OCR fits perfectly with my build. OCR has also allowed me to pursue my two biggest passions: fitness and traveling. I visited 24 states in 2015, and most of them were made possible because there are races all over the country.

Faces at the Races – Dustin Radney

By |February 15th, 2016|

Name: Dustin Radney Age: 36 Resides in: Orlando, FL Occupation: Computer Engineer Favorite OCR Series: BattleFrog Favorite Obstacle: Platinum Rig Least Favorite Obstacle: Over/unders Ideal Race Distance: 10 miles 2016 OCR Goals: Podium at least one major OCR series Social Media: Feel free to reach out to me at http://www.facebook.com/dustin.radney About Me: I’ve played competitive sports my entire life but after college and upon entering [...]

Faces at the Races – Vivien Panganiban

By |February 22nd, 2016|

I’m a 35-year-old single mother of two children ages 3 and 5. I have two careers: I’ve worked for the Federal Government for over 15 years and also have my own Fitness/Life Coaching business as well. I use my past struggles with obesity (I’ve lost over 85lbs), depression, anxiety, low-self esteem, emotional/physical abuse, and the loss of 2 children at birth as a way to inspire others to “never give up” on themselves. I have used health & fitness as a way to transform my life both physically and mentally. OCR has been another avenue in which I am able to show others that “obstacles” are put in your way to see if what you want is really worth fighting for.

Faces at the Races – Hao Hoang

By |February 29th, 2016|

Name: Hao Hoang Age: 27 Lives: New Hampshire Occupation: Mechanical Engineer Favorite OCR series: Spartan Race Favorite Obstacle: Spear Throw Least Favorite Obstacle: Gravel Bucket Carry Ideal race distance: 5-7 miles 2016 OCR Goals: My 2016 goal is to podium or at least be within reach of podium Social Media: Instagram, RAGIN_AZN. It’s fairly new so there not a lot to it yet but [...]

Faces at the Races — Michael Laconti

By |March 14th, 2016|

My Name is Michael Laconti, better known as “Michael Anthony”. I grew up in Cliffside Park, NJ and graduated from Cliffside Park High School in 1989. I was a cross country runner and the only award I ever got was 10th place at my first competition. My dad passed away senior year of high school.

Faces at the Races — Brittney Seale

By |March 21st, 2016|

I was always overweight, but after making the decision to leave my daughter's father, I found myself drinking and eating way too much. Once I began my weight loss journey, however, I realized that I did not know how “not” to be fat. Read the rest of Brittney Seale's story...

Faces at the Races — Macy Owens

By |March 29th, 2016|

This week Faces at the Races highlights Macy Nicole Owens. This 14-year old is already an avid obstacle racer looking to take her game to the next stage. Learn all about this young lady.

Faces at the Races — Tyler Markley

By |April 4th, 2016|

Tyler Markley if this week's featured athlete on Faces at the Races. From Markley, OCR was initially just a "fit goal" that I set to keep motivated when I first began training. After my first race (Savage Pro), I realized that I had stumbled upon something that I not only enjoyed but also something that I was quite good at.

Faces at the Races — Jay Flores

By |April 11th, 2016|

"I’ll never be the tallest or the strongest at a start line, but I promise you that there are few out there will as much heart and will power as me. There are no other option but to complete the course or be dragged off." Jay Flores is this week's Faces at the Races profile.

Faces at the Races — Samantha Ellison

By |April 18th, 2016|

Faces at the Races focuses on Samantha Ellison today. This 14-year old is living the OCR life already at a young age. She is the daughter of a Death Racer and lives and breathes the sport of OCR. Learn more about Samantha and her love of OCR.

Mud Run Guide
Welcome to Mud Run Guide - the worldwide leader in mud runs, obstacle course races, and outdoor running adventures. Established in 2012, our focus is to provide you with the best events, discounts, news, reviews, gear, and training for the sport of OCR.