The Ultimate Guide to Obstacle Course Racing
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Your Guide to Obstacle Course Racing
OCR – those three little letters have come to mean a great deal in the past four years. They stand for obstacle course racing, and you’ll find this is actually the fastest growing sport in the country, seeing exponential growth since it exploded onto the scene back in 2010. In just four years, OCR has managed to grow from just 20 events in the country to more than 150 and from 41,000 competitors to over 1.5 million.
For those not acquainted with obstacle course racing, there can be some confusion about how it differs from standard road racing (half-marathons, marathons, 5Ks, etc.). Actually, there are a great many differences, as well as some similarities.
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The Ultimate Guide to Obstacle Course Racing
Similarities:
Obstacle course races can mirror the lengths of other road races, although many stay around the 5K limit (3.1 miles)
Some races have prizes for those who place on finishing
Races (and some racers) have sponsors, often performance or athletic oriented companies like Under Armor
Running is part of the race
Differences:
OCR racers must face a series of grueling obstacles
Obstacles can range from climbing walls and nets to jumping through fire and climbing under barbed wire
OCR races aren’t timed, and it can take two to three hours to complete a 5K
OCR races aren’t focused on competition against other racers – they tend to foster a sense of teamwork instead 4
Your Guide to Obstacle Course Racing
Currently, there are over 150 obstacle course racing events in the US alone, and many more worldwide. A number of races and racing organizations have gained prominence, but the “Big Three” are the uncontested top dogs of the industry. These are:
Warrior Dash: With 50 locations and 66 separate races, Warrior Dash is a major player in the OCR industry.
Spartan Race: Spartan saw over 90 races in 2013 across 9 different countries. Of more than 300,000 competitors, just over 285,000 actually finished their respective races.
Tough Mudder: When it comes to competitors, no other racing organization holds a candle to Tough Mudder, which can field up to 15,000 racers for a single event.
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The Ultimate Guide to Obstacle Course Racing
The OCR industry officially kicked off back in 2010, and there were only 20 events held in the US. Fast forward four years, and you’ll find over 150 events. You’ll also find that OCR has blossomed into a $250 million industry in that short amount of time. The rapid growth and tremendous sponsorship opportunities have created one of the most profitable of all extreme sports segments.
While obstacle course races appeal to people from all generations, across all societal classes, it’s true that Gen Y makes up a large percentage of competitors. This is because there are several factors about OCR that appeal specifically to this demographic, including:
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Your Guide to Obstacle Course Racing
It’s nontraditional.
It’s an extreme sport that isn’t yet completely saturated.
It’s still nominally “on the fringes” despite the phenomenal growth in the industry.
It offers rewards not found in conventional road racing.
It offers bragging rights that appeal to Gen Y.
Isn’t obstacle course racing dangerous? Yes, it is. However, there are several pros that offset the cons here. Granted, OCR isn’t for everyone, but the fact that you can compete alone or as part of a team, and the sport’s military training roots make it very appealing. It is dangerous, though, particularly for those who are unprepared physically and mentally.
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The Ultimate Guide to Obstacle Course Racing
The unparalleled physical challenge of obstacle course racing can present serious risks to those preparing for their events through conventional workout options, such as gym workouts or free weights. Boot camp training is the better choice, as it mirrors OCR’s military origins, and provides the varied, intensive workouts necessary for competitors to prepare.
We are not a gym, or a box, instead, we are a community of fitness minded people, just like you. Custom Fitness Concepts has fitness boot camp locations throughout Virginia, Washington DC & Maryland including indoor and outdoor classes.Your first week of boot camp is free so give it a try today, 877.598.0530.
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