Obstacle Mud Runner - issue 09

inov-8 on home territory 01732 452404 ForEliteAtheletes to FunRunners 33 FOOTWEAR : OCR WC The OFFICIAL Shoe of the OCR World Championships The Obstacle Course Racing World Championships has announced that award-winning footwear company inov-8 is to become its Official Footwear Brand of the 2018 championships. Founded in 2003, inov-8 is internationally renowned for designing footwear with the best grip for off- road running and CrossFit. The brand has been synonymous with the sport of obstacle course racing (OCR) for the past decade, with their shoes worn by many of the elite. This year – for the first time in the event’s history – the OCR World Championships (OCRWC) will be staged in the UK, the homeland of inov-8. Sandra Sawyer, OCRWC Sponsorship Director, said: “The athletes who tackle our rigorous and unpredictable course at the 2018 Obstacle Course Racing World Championships in London this October must be fast, agile and adaptable. Having the right footwear is going to be critical. “inov-8’s lightweight, flexible running shoes with revolutionary grip will give athletes the ultimate advantage on all surfaces and in all racing conditions. Our wet, slippery, muddy terrain may have finally met its match!” Among the many OCR-specific awards inov-8 has won are the prizes for Best Obstacle Course Racing Footwear, handed out by US-based Mud Run Guide in 2014, 2015, 2016 and 2017 and UK-based Mudstacle in 2014 and 2015. Michael Price, inov-8 Product and Marketing Director, said: “We are proud to be the official footwear brand of the 2018 OCR World Championships here on home soil in the UK. “Elite obstacle racers have been wearing our shoes for the past decade, trusting in the grip to lead them to success. Our X-TALON shoes have been first across the finish line at previous OCR World Championships. “Forged in the fells of the English Lake District, we know all about muddy UK conditions and how important footwear grip is when moving fast over obstacles. In 2018, we’re taking grip to a new level by launching G-SERIES, the world’s first-ever running and fitness shoes with graphene-enhanced rubber. These will give racers the world’s toughest grip. “I can’t think of a better way to celebrate the launch than being centrally involved in one of the world’s toughest and biggest obstacle course racing events. Bring it on!” Obstacle Course Racing World Championships team up with grip-masters inov-8 As part of the new partnership between OCRWC and inov-8, obstacle course racers are now eligible for 10% off all inov-8 footwear on www.inov-8.com – simply used the code 8OCR10