Obstacle Mud Runner - issue 09

17 ForEliteAtheletes to FunRunners 01732 452404 RACE : SPARTAN A classic case of “how hard can it be?” We have a total of 20 OCR’s planned for this year This Spartan is signing off… AROO AROO AROO. The time of reckoning was soon upon us and we made our way to the starting pen. True to form, Spartan Phil hyped us up, we made friends with the mud whilst he taught us a true Spartan Burpee (something I was to do many of as the day progressed) he counted us down and set us off. Running out of the field, over the bridge and we were off on our first family OCR together, full of giggles, chit chat and dare I say (ahem) burpees. Here’s what I thought: Obstacles: The wet weather affected my own personal performance on some things but generally, they are achievable by most, certainly worthy of an attempt, even if you’re then counting 30 of your favourite penalty. Volunteers: I think Spartan had the pick of the bunch! Each and every one was chirpy and encouraging. Having volunteered last year, I know what a long day it is standing out there for hours on end but spirits seemed to stay high. Terrain: Almost no words for this. I had a LOVE/HATE for the hills, hills, hills, did I mention hills? Organisation: It all seemed to run like clockwork from my perspective. Toilets: Plenty and well stocked when I visited. Showers: Sufficient to have a quick wash down. Bling and Tee: I always LOVE the Spartan bling. Tee, nice but I like cotton. In fact, the extra finish line goodies were a welcome treat too. A can of Fosters, obviously not for my 15 year old, fear not, I know someone who can help him with that, and a Vita Coco Coconut water. We all finished the race on a massive natural high and enjoyed our time at St Clere to the max, perhaps a few allowances to be made for the newly turned 18 year old who may or may not wish he’d celebrated in the style he did the night before. A classic case of “how hard can it be?” Exiting the car park was interesting. With all the additional rain we had prior to the event I can honestly say, as much as it was a challenge leaving the car park, I think Spartan did everything they could to ensure it was as easy as possible. The additional hard track to get us in and out plus a vehicle on standby to haul those stuck fast, my children must have pushed at least 10 cars free of the mud too. Hats off for doing what they could to assist. In my eyes, Spartan absolutely delivered a top notch event. There’s a reason they’re one of the leading names in OCR. Sprint is done, just the Super and Beast to go.