Obstacle Mud Runner - issue 11

27 ForEliteAtheletes to FunRunners 01732 452404 RACE : MARSHALLS The juniors who astound me with their ability and fearlessness and the amazing runners who beat personal challenges at all levels There are day races, night races, weekend races, competitive races, qualifying races, fun races, social events, events with camping, fun days/ parties and so much more bills, food, jelly babies, cake so it can be cheaper and less tiring to buy a ticket, turn up and race. So why do I and so many others do it? I do it for a variety of reasons; the people, friendships & family, the community, health and fun. The People – each time I go out on course I am amazed by the generosity, resilience, kindness, determination and focus of every runner. I witness every emotion out on course; joy, fear, anxiety, elation, relief, stubbornness, laughter and many more and I get to share in these moments. Moments of pure joy as well as times of self-doubt and the best moments when a runner overcomes a fear or their nemesis. Friendship and family – every race I attend I am met by friends and by my OCR family, I feel at home surrounded by fun, caring people who inspire and challenge me, support and comfort me, cheer me on, make me laugh, celebrate with me and provide the best hugs. This Community – I am part of an amazing community made up of a hugely diverse group of people, from beginners to UK, European and World Champions, people of all abilities and ages. Marshalling has allowed me to be a part of so many wonderful people’s lives, I am in awe of them all. The juniors who astound me with their ability and fearlessness and the amazing runners who beat personal challenges at all levels. The competitive runners who cheer on their opponents and the elite runners who take time to stop and encourage newbies, talk through fears with runners as they are stuck and scared on an obstacle and applaud them when they achieve what they believed to be impossible. Individuals and teams, we all fit to make a beautiful whole. A community that I am honoured and privileged to be part of. I do not know another sport that opens its arms and embraces all. Health – not everyone is aware, but I live with chronic pain, PTSD, anxiety and depression. I share my life with these cruel housemates, and it isn’t always fun, but OCR, marshalling and the OCR community have given me so much. A support network, a purpose – when my housemates are causing trouble, my body and mind are hurting and I just want to hide away, OCR doesn’t let me. It refocuses me, stops me from wallowing, the inspiring members of my OCR family cheer me on as I cheer them on the course. Marshals are absolutely vital members of the race day team, without them races cannot go on. Race Directors need support, runners need to be safe, obstacles need to be manned and so I stand up to my housemates, pull on my trail shoes, apply my race day red lippy, face my race day challenge and go and do what I love. Support, encourage, cheer, shout, guide, feed, laugh, smile, cry and hug. I have fun and hopefully help the runners have fun too. Fun – above all things marshalling to me is fun, it is a happy place. It is open to runners and non-runners alike, a way of sharing your hobby with friends, partner, family who don’t want to run. There are so many great races and awesome Race Directors and as there are a range of races out there for all to run, there are different types of races for all to marshal at. A variety of roles, on and off the course. Pre-race set up, car park, village roles – registration, bag/key drop and on course roles – obstacle marshal, running marshal, tail runners, literally something for everyone. There are day races, night races, weekend races, competitive races, qualifying races, fun races, social events, events with camping, fun days/parties and so much more. From the Exciting Elements, the Unique Uventure, the Marvellous MacTuff, the Notorious Nuts, the Quirky Quack Splat Go, the Nerve-wracking Nuclear and many more… you will find a race for you. All you need is you, oh and maybe a few provisions. n Suncream – we do actually get hot days n Plastic Food bags – some days are really wet, keep your phone, power pack and keys dry n Hand sanitiser – no toilets in the wilds n Toilet roll/wipes n Carry bag for rubbish n Snacks n Smile n Open arms n Voice and some encouraging words n Most importantly comfy shoes. If you like fun, inspiring people, cake, hugs and supporting your community, then pick a date, pack your bag, find a race and sign up to marshal and get ready for an amazing experience. Remember to tell your Race Director/head marshal you’re a newbie and they will make sure you are well looked after. Good luck with your next race!