Obstacle Race Magazine Race Directors Special

O B TSH TA E CNL O E .R1A M C EA G FO AR ZIN A LEL FM OUR DOAB N S TA D R CU L EN N CO I NUGR SEEN RT A HU CS I NI AGS T S

RACE DIRECTORS SPECIAL, RACE DIRECTORS SPECIAL, RACE DIRECTORS SPECIAL, RACE DIRECTORS SPECIAL

RACE DIRECTORS SPECIAL THE BIRTH OF TOXIC TEN BURSTING WITH OCR’S INSIDE

2014

£4.95

02>

9 772053 949001

2

Obstacle Race | Race Directors’ Special

Race Directors’ Special | Obstacle Race

3

INTRODUCTION What you’re about to read is something that we know you’ll agree has been a long time coming to the obstacle course racing scene. What we have put together for you here is a comprehensive guide to a large percentage of the best obstacle and adventure races in the United Kingdom. We have collected together not just the big boys but also the new up and coming races coming to you this season. One of the most important decisions you have to make in OCR is what race should be your next challenge. Whether you’re a complete novice or a true veteran of our sport we know this guide will be something you can turn to again and again when deciding what races you want to add to your planner.

We also hope to bring you another edition of this type later in the year to cover yet more races on the ever growing calendar.

There’s also the first instalment of one mans exciting journey along a road of discovery to becoming the United Kingdoms next race director to hit the OCR scene. This journey will follow the ups and downs of the decisions and plans that have to be made when putting on a great event.

Carl

EDITOR Carl Wibberley carl@obstacleracemagazine.com 01246 241780 ADVERTISING Kevin Newey kevin@obstacleracemagazine.com 07932 411592 MEDIA CONTACT Mark Petrou mark@obstacleracemagazine.com 07817924168 DESIGNED BY RAWWW www.rawww.com 0845 371 0993 PUBLISHED BY Spuddy Media Ltd, Counting House, 1 Nuffield Road, St Ives, Huntingdon, Cambridgeshire, PE27 3LX. PRINTED BY

Printed by Warners 01778 395111

TO SUBSCRIBE www.obstacleracemagazine.com TO ADVERTISE CALL 07932 411592

INFORMATION All the words relating to the articles in this issue are the race directors own words and not those of the magazine.

Every effort is made to ensure that the advertising and editorial content in Obstacle Race Magazine is supplied from reliable and reputable sources and is contributed with integrity and accuracy.

However no warranties or claims can be made against Obstacle Race Magazine in respect of the contents OR the views of individuals - who do not necessarily represent the views of the Magazine, Spuddy Media ltd or the Publisher ISSN 2053-9495 Contact us by letter at: OBSTACLE RACE MAGAZINE 370 WHEELWRIGHT LANE ASH GREEN, COVENTRY CV7 9HL WWW.OBSTACLERACEMAGAZINE.COM

4

Obstacle Race | Race Directors’ Special

CONTENT 8

1 TRUE GRIT

50

SPARTAN RACE

AIRFIELD ANARCHY

52

SPARTAN RACE TRAINING

BACK 2 THE TRENCHES

54

SUPERSHOT CHALLENGE

BLOOD SWEAT AND TEARS

56

SURVIVAL RUNNING

18

BORN SURVIVOR

58

TOTAL WARRIOR

20

DIRTY DOZEN

60

TOUGH ENOUGH RACES

22

ENDURER DASH

62

TOUGH MUDDER

24

FITNESS GARAGE

64

ULTIMATE ADVENTURES

26

GLADI8OR

66

ULTM8 WARRIOR

28

GRIM

68

VIKING RACE

30

HELL ON THE HARBOURSIDE

70

WARRIOR RUN

32

HELLRUNNER

72

WETHERBY PEOPLE CHASE

34

JUDGEMENT DAY

74

WHOLE HOG

36

MONSTER RACE

80

WILD FOREST GYM

38

NO EGO CHALLENGE

84

THE BIRTH OF TOXIC TEN

40

NUCLEAR RACES

86

THE WITCHES’ REVENGE

42

NUTS CHALLENGE

88

THE WOLF RUN

44

PANDEMONIUM

90

XTREME RUNNING

46

PUKKA RACES

92

XTREME STORM

48

ROCK SOLID RACE

96

ZOMBIE EVACUATION

10 12 14

Race Directors’ Special | Obstacle Race

5

MEET THE TEAM We thought it would be a good idea to introduce ourselves with our first issue and share with you our plans for Obstacle Race Magazine in 2014.

We are going to be building an on-line and physical community for OCR here in the UK over the next twelve months - culminating in both an OCR expo and Christmas Ball at the end of the race season. We have a dedicated team of writers, guest writers, experts and STIGS who will be secretly reviewing the good, the bad and the muddy – just for you. In the meantime, here’s a bit about us and we look forward to seeing you out on the courses and at the finish line!

Carl Wibberley

Features Editor and Main Contact Carl has mud in his veins. Having completed over 100 OCRs, he’s part of the fabric of the OCR community and knows the scene intimately. If you don’t know Carl, it’s only be a matter of time. He quit his day job as a chef to work full-time on OR magazine and now writes with passion. He also likes to run in a dress when feeling particularly daring.

Carly Irwine

Race Reviews and Fitness Consultant Carly studied performing arts before becoming a fitness professional at One Leisure and C&C fitness in Cambridgeshire alongside her partner Chris Harlock. She’s a full time Gym Instructor and teacher in Advanced Bootcamp, Core Stability, Boxercise and Indoor Cycling. She will be testing kit and running OCRs to tell you about the good, the bad, and the downright muddy.

Ross Edgley

Supplements Advice Ross is one of the country’s leading authorities on supplements, so who better to write our supplement advice article than him. Ross has written for nearly every leading publication, passing on his vast knowledge of health and nutrition. Also as one of the founders of The Protein Works, the fastest growing supplement company in the country, we know his views on what to take are invaluable to us all.

6

Kevin Newey

MD and Advertising Sales Kev has a career background in sales, met publisher Mark Petrou in 2007 and now runs OR magazine with him. He has competed in OCRs and is ridiculously trying to wind the clock back by testing Crossfit boxes for you inside these very pages. He has a dodgy knee but don’t tell him we told you. Kev is also a Coventry city fan.

Michael Cohen

Obstacle Race Training Michael is one of the OCR industry’s best known OCR training experts. Michael oversees the training of one of this season’s most successful obstacle racers Thomas Blanc, who also races for Michael’s OCR team Wild Forest Gym. Michael will be writing a series of articles to give you the know how to race your next OCR to the best of your ability.

Michelle Butler Nutritional Advice

Michelle is the writer of our Nutritional advice articles. She firmly believes in the importance of a healthy and varied diet, proven to play a pivotal role in maintaining a healthy body weight, enhancing general wellbeing and reducing the risk of a number of diseases. Michelle will be offering her expert advice in all areas of nutrition and food to help you make the changes necessary to achieve your goals.

Obstacle Race | Race Directors’ Special

Mark Petrou

Publisher, Media and Events Co-ordinator Originally a lard arse from Lewisham, Mark started an online community and a magazine for the hot food industry in 2006. A book followed in 2010, along with another magazine and then in 2011, Mark met Chris O’Neil - course manager at Spartan UK and discovered OCR. Chris introduced Mark to Carl Wibberley and the rest is history.

Ryan Wells

CrossFit Advice Column Ryan will be writing everything you could want to know about CrossFit. With the explosion of the popularity of CrossFit we would be crazy to ignore this subject. Ryan is the head Coach at CrossFit Coventry and served over seven years in the Royal Marines.

Chris Harlock

Product Testing and Sport Chris studied at Peterborough regional college to gain his NVQ level 3 personal trainer qualification, completed courses in Nutrition, sports massage, strength and conditioning. He came over to OCR from Triathlon and has had top ten finishes in Elite class OCRs. Currently at One Leisure and C&C fitness. Chris is ridiculously fit. Expect to see him whiz by but do catch up with him for a chat in our tent.

AN OPEN LETTER Mark Petrou - Publisher - Obstacle Race Magazine

Dear Obstacle Racer/ Race Director Obstacle Course Racing (OCR) is the fastest growing sport in the UK today. Obstacle Race Magazine was conceived to create a platform for racer and race organiser to become better acquainted.

Since our birth we have cultivated relationships with over 70 different race organisations in the UK and have a data base of literally thousands and thousands of racers. This issue you are holding is our first Race Directors Special and is our Editor – Carl Wibberley’s pick of over 35 different events happening this year ranging from entry level fun obstacle races through to brutal life changing challenges.

OCR to date in the UK has relied on every single Race Director organising their event to manage their own standards of safety, degree of difficulty and logistics without regulation beyond minimum current UK legislation.

As an umbrella brand supporting and promoting all well organised OCRs in the UK, ORM has been called upon by several Race Directors and indeed by many of our subscribers to enter into talks with UK Sport to form a British Obstacle Course Racing Association (B.O.C.R.A) BOCRA would be incorporated with the aim of achieving charitable status, formed to UK Sport guidelines (UK Sport are responsible for investing 100 million pounds a year of lottery funding and are accountable to Government by the department of culture, media and sport) and will be a not for profit organisation. BOCRA will comprise of a board of directors made up of a cross section of Race Organisation representatives and OCR racers who will all vacate their roles after a set period of time. This board will decide and shape the future of OCR in the UK. BOCRA main objectives might be to..

Make OCR fun and safe for everyone – By agreeing guidelines as a community on what facilities a well organised OCR event has to offer for every racer and spectator.

Create a standards charter that all compliant and accredited races must achieve in order to be a BOCRA approved event. This might include for example the number of water stations over set distances or the amount of qualified first aiders there should be per 1000 racers.

Monitor OCR in the UK and widen it’s appeal by effective promoting. OCR is a great way to get the world fit and also raise money for charity and every story needs to be told.

Create an official OCR UK Championship series of races and support the countries elite racers – Elite racers from the UK are already calling for BOCRA. The top tier of BOCRA events in terms of distance, difficulty and compliance will form the basis of elite qualifying events.

One day – make OCR an Olympic event. – OCR deserves the recognition of being an OLYMPIC event. It is extremely likely that OCR is probably how the OLYMPICS first began and OCR deserves to claim its place at the worlds largest sporting occasion. In order to achieve this –OCR needs a global structure.

Obstacle Race Magazine wants to receive your feedback and gauge your appetite for the formation of BOCRA. We have created an extremely brief survey for you to fill out and promise it will only take just a few moments.

Your input will help us to decide how and if we should coordinate this for the benefit of the whole OCR community.

Results will be published in issue 2 - available to all subscribers and in WH Smiths and associated independent newsagents.

Please visit www.obstacleracemagazine.co.uk and click on the BOCRA link.

Develop guidelines for races in order to outline a tier system of difficulty – making it easy to find a race that’s right for you and your group to enter.

Race Directors’ Special | Obstacle Race

7

1 TRUE GRIT One True Grit events were formed by two friends; Paul Hildrow, who has taken part in numerous obstacle racing events since they first started, and Andy Levett, who served for eight years in the British Army. With Andy’s Army experience and day to day military assault course training, they decided they had the necessary credentials to set up and organise their events to appeal to all types of people from the experienced race goer to the first time newbie. The first One True Grit event took place in September 2013 with over 500 people entering and received rave reviews.

The next One True Grit event is on 30th March 2014 in Hertfordshire which is going to be a 10km run with over twenty five man made and natural obstacles. It’s now housed at a permanent location at Benington where there are loads of natural boggy swamps and ponds, some really interesting two tiered woodland sloped areas and a big sand quarry. Some of the man made obstacles will feature a few of the old favourites like ten foot walls, barbed wire crawl in thick mud, monkey bars across a swamp and hay bale hurdles with a lot of new and more challenging obstacles being built and erected in January.

Race director Andy says: “We have designed our courses to emulate the exact type of course I used to train on in the army which are tough and challenging but at the

8

Obstacle Race | Race Directors’ Special

same time fun and promote cameraderie. For instance, at our first event we had a few people who entered as individuals but were helped over some of the obstacles by complete strangers which was good to see.”

The September event raised over £2000 for Prostate Cancer UK which is made up of a percentage of your registration fee and money collected on the car park. This is the One True Grit chosen charity, however participants can choose to raise money for any charity that is close to their hearts.

The March event looks set to be the best yet from the One True Grit team. With a full-on cocktail of mud, water and obstacles they will also be providing a fully licensed bar with music from a local band, local hot food and drinks and a fully operated childrens mini obstacle course.

Participants will receive on completion of the course a moisture wicking tech t-shirt, finishers’ brushed nickel One True Grit medal and sponsor products.

One True Grit are planning to hold four events throughout each year with the course route being changed slightly each time and new and different obstacles added at each event.

Discounts of 10% apply if you sign up as a team of 6 or more and the earlier you book you get the early bird discounted prices too.

ONE TRUE GRIT

FOR MORE INFO AND BOOKING VISIT WWW.ONETRUEGRIT.COM Race Directors’ Special | Obstacle Race

9

AIRFIELD ANARCHY WHEN 22nd March 2014 11am Race Start (Registration opens at 9am) WHERE Newark on Trent Airfield Farm, Nottinghamshire NG24 2NY CHALLENGES Tunnel Systems Water Obstacles Walls Mud Pits Hay Bale Towers Rope Swings Scramble Nets More!

Permanent obstacles will bring a serious challenge to competitors - not your usual carpentry job the week before!

DATE / TIME 11:00am, Saturday 22nd March 2014 (Registration opens at 9am) LOCATION Airfield Anarchy Race, Airfield Farm, off A17 Newark, NG24 2NY DISTANCE 5km and 10km courses.

TYPE OF RACE: Airfield Anarchy is a challenging off-road running event.

You will overcome over 20 obstacles including tunnels, water features, mud pits, rope obstacles, walls, hay bale towers, tyre carries and more… (See our course map at AirfieldAnarchy.com for more information) CHIP TIMING A chip timing service will be available. Details to be posted on our website.

10

Obstacle Race | Race Directors’ Special

AIRFIELD ANAARCHY

PRICING Discounts are available for teams or Early Bird signups.

This helps us hire the right number of things like Portaloos, marquees etc. The full pricing structure is as follows:

1. SOLO RUNNERS SHORT TIMER £50 (1st February to 28th February) GNAT'S WHISKER £60 (1st March to 16th March) 2. TEAMS OF 4+ SHORT TIMER £45 (1st February to 28th February) GNAT'S WHISKER £55 (1st March to 16th March) FOR MORE INFO AND BOOKING VISIT WWW.AIRFIELDANARCHY.COM Race Directors’ Special | Obstacle Race

11

BACK 2 THE TRENCHES 2013 was the year that put BACK 2 THE TRENCHES on the UK mud map. It was really important that we delivered a challenging and fun experience for our runners. The people that take part in BACK 2 THE TRENCHES vary, you will see the most elite and dedicated runners, and also the runners that have nervously signed up thinking “what am I doing, I can’t run?” Seeing the proud yet muddy faces at the finish line is always a buzz. BACK 2 THE TRENCHES is definitely self challenging and bursting with camaraderie.

Our courses are designed and built with plenty of ex- military experience and knowledge, thus making sure everyone is challenged. Another very important element in any BACK 2 THE TRENCHES run is the terrain. We are not a run that likes to put lots of obstacles on a flat piece of land; where’s the fun in that? Instead, we ensure we use the hilly and challenging terrain mixed in with the natural, as well as man-made, obstacles.

If you are running any of the BACK 2 THE TRENCHES courses you should expect plenty of mud and water.

We incorporate various off-road driving tracks which fill perfectly with water and mud getting our runners on their hands, knees and even their bellies as they crawl along as quickly as they can while avoiding the wire above them.

The lakes are a favourite with many of our runners.

They could find themselves up to their knees or even up to their necks as they aim for land. However, not all of our runners like crossing lakes, and with that in mind we always have an alternate route on dry land, but be aware,

12

Obstacle Race | Race Directors’ Special

this is not necessarily the easy option. We make sure there is another challenge in place; we would not want anyone left out! Another favourite is running through our very own trench system, and hopefully making it through to the other end! We know that no-one likes to run in circles so the majority of our routes will be one lap and therefore not so predictable. Come along and see for yourself.

23rd March ‘OVER THE TOP’ 5K & 10K London 18th May ‘THE WESTERN FRONT’ 6K & 12K Wales 22nd June ‘THE BIG PUSH’ 6K, 12K & 18K London 21st September ‘NO MAN’S LAND’ 5k & 10k London 2nd November ‘THE BIG PUSH’ 6K, 12K & 18K London 2014 also saw the launch of the ‘SEASON BATTLE PASS’ which gives access to all the runs we hold throughout the year. We realise that people want great value as well as the challenge, so instead of giving away the so called ‘free’ t-shirts, beanies etc, and charging more, we keep the price as one of the lowest and best value letting our runners purchase the items they choose.

If you are a group or a charity and wish to get involved in one of our runs then please contact us at info@back2thetrenches.co.uk. We’d really love to hear from you.

Web www.back2thetrenches.co.uk Email info@back2thetrenches.co.uk Tel No 01737 822484 or Mobile 07957 229252

BACK 2 THE TRENCHES

FOR MORE INFORMATION VISIT WWW.BACK2THETRENCHES.CO.UK Race Directors’ Special | Obstacle Race

13

BLOOD SWEAT AND TEARS Northern Ireland gets its first 10k obstacle race.

Parkanaur Forest, in the heart of County Tyrone, saw the birth of Northern Ireland’s first 10k obstacle course.

The event was run by local extreme running club Blood, Sweat & Tears, who are an experienced team of obstacle course runners. The club formed in 2012 to train for obstacle courses throughout the UK and Ireland, however they quickly realised the demand for such an event in Northern Ireland. Although there are forest trails and mud runs, there is little or none that could style themselves as an obstacle race.

The course was 10k in length and took competitors into the rivers, through mud pits, several steep hills, over many hurdles, including fallen trees, walls, and crawls, both man-made and natural. There were hill reps and several climbs into ditches, and the mud pit was a test for how well your trainers were tied. To finish it all off competitors battled their way around ‘The Green’ carrying sandbags, crawling, climbing walls, and more hill reps. Just before the finish line the organisers kindly provided several skips of cold muddy water for the competitors to clean themselves off just before the sprint to the finish line.

The event was a major success and attracted competitors from all across Ireland, North and South.

The competitor list was impressive and contained some well-known 10k runners, marathon runners, triathletes and multiple Ironmen including local Decaman Bob Davison.

Alongside the serious athletes were hundreds of fun runners, including people who were attempting a 10k for the first time. To them this was the pinnacle of their sporting life and an opportunity to test themselves mentally and physically.

For the more experienced athlete who is used to running roads and an odd forest trail, it was an opportunity to try something different. A test of both leg and upper body strength, it also challenged them to defy the cold and wet and work on their mental toughness to get to the finish line.

The cold, wet and mud in November is challenging for any athlete and this event has struck a chord with the people in Northern Ireland like never before. The demand to put on another event has been overwhelming. Blood, Sweat & Tears are currently organising 2 further events in 2014. The next one will take place on 21st June 2014 in Pomeroy forest park in County Tyrone. This event will be even better than our last one and we plan on going all out to ensure it remains Northern Ireland’s Toughest 10k. The Blood, Sweat & Tears team has recently opened its membership and with an ever growing club that run together and train in local forests and mountains, it is helping towards ideas to further enhance future events.

14

Obstacle Race | Race Directors’ Special

BLOOD SWEAT AND TEARS

FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CHECK OUT WWW.BSTEXTREME.COM OR FOLLOW BLOOD, SWEAT & TEARS ON FACEBOOK AND TWITTER Race Directors’ Special | Obstacle Race

15

D u M k L a T THE FIRST OCR GLOBAL COMMUNITY IS COMING ....

M

A

G

A

Z

I

N

E

BORN SURVIVIOR The ultimate 10km military obstacle course Born Survivor is a physical endurance challenge designed

by Elite British Royal Marines Commandos. This is your chance to experience a 10k obstacle course adventure based on military fitness training operations from around the globe. So, if you’re after a new challenge, then look no further than Born Survivor.

If you choose to accept it, your mission is to push yourself to the limit as you stampede over, under and through a series of military style obstacles set in 10k of brutal and unforgiving Lake District terrain.

Dare to take on this adventure and you’ll need to be prepared to display courage, determination and a stiff upper lip to conquer the challenge. We encourage teamwork and even if you don’t enter as a team we hope you will assist your fellow Survivors in completing the course. Never leave a soldier behind; it’s the British Army way and it’s the Born Survivor way.

Make no mistake, Born Survivor is not your average trail run. This will be tough. This will be a test. This may break you. You will need to be physically fit and mentally prepared to cope with the challenges and endure the suffering. Expect mud, expect hills, expect water, don’t expect gimmicks, this course is the sort of challenge the British Army face in their training every day.

This gruelling event will take place on Saturday 5th of April 2014, at the ordinarily tranquil Lowther Castle, where once again this stunning venue, nestled amid rugged parkland on the edge of the Lake District National Park, will be shaken to its core when individuals and teams embark on what could be their toughest challenge yet.

It’s not all mud, sweat and fear, though. The festivalinspired fun and games are set to last all weekend with on-site camping facilities from Friday to Sunday, post-event music, a licensed bar and top-notch catering in the event village. Participants will also be spurred on to cross the finish line with the promise of Born Survivor goodies, including the exclusive t-shirt and headwear!

18

Obstacle Race | Race Directors’ Special

ENTRY FEES UNTIL 1ST JANUARY £49 1ST - 31ST JANUARY £59 1ST - 28TH FEBRUARY £69 1ST - 27TH MARCH £90 28th March Entries close. Team discounts available

BORN SURVIVOR

YOU CAN ENTER ONLINE AND FIND OUT MORE ABOUT THE EVENT AT WWW.BORN-SURVIVOR.COM OR VISIT WWW.FACEBOOK.COM/ BORNSURVIVORADVENTURE Race Directors’ Special | Obstacle Race

19

DIRTY DOZEN

by Doug Spences

20

What DDR is all about?

2014 and what it holds for DDR

Dirty Dozen Races is all about big, big obstacles... we just really love building big obstacles. We know there are plenty of races out there—and some have more obstacles than us—but few have obstacles as big as ours. Each and every obstacle is designed, built and tested to ensure they test our runners to the max.

Safety isn’t a very sexy word in this industry but we take this very seriously. I think people are more focused on how exciting our races are, but safety is at the heart of the build. It allows us to build really exciting obstacles that you can attack with confidence.

Many people comment that the Dirty Dozen is big on ‘the personal touch’. I have to be honest and say that wasn’t something we factored into the business plan, it just kind of happened. Everyone in the Dirty Dozen family will say it’s me that drives this (by being out there on race day meeting people as they register, spending time with them in the event village before and after the race, and keeping an eye on them whilst they are out there on the course).

But it is down to everyone that gets involved with Dirty Dozen, not just me.

The marshals and support crew are the ones that make it a personal experience. They give so much in supporting the runners that it feels like you’re surrounded by you own fan club. I love being out there, being in the middle of it all but in reality, thanks to the volunteers, the personal touch would still be there without me.

2013 was a great year for obstacle racing and Dirty Dozen. There’s been a huge increase in the number of entrants across the country, the arrival of several new race organisers and the much-anticipated first event for Dirty Dozen. I have to say, it was a blow out success!

We couldn’t believe how many people entered our first event. We hadn’t done that much marketing and we didn’t have any imagery to portray what it was Dirty Dozen was offering. Sure, we had a video of me lumbering around my garden over a couple of make-shift obstacles, and some great pics from a photo-shoot (thanks again to the Dirty Dozen A-Team for modelling, that was one of my favorite days of all time). So we were blown away by the trust people put in us, paid their money and turned up to race.

Looking at the reviews and listening to the feedback, we far exceeded expectations (ours as well as the runners). The best comment I heard was someone refusing to believe that it was our first event. They said the scale of the obstacles and organisation was that of a seasoned team who had been doing it for years (I’m very lucky to have such a terrific team).

So, what does Dirty Dozen have in store for 2014?

New and bigger obstacles, a league, a full race series including the addition of an 18k race with 25 military style obstacles and (hopefully, we’re still finalising details on this) free photos for runners.

Obstacle Race | Race Directors’ Special

DIRTY DOZEN

DATES FOR YOUR RACE CALENDAR LONDON SOUTH 5/6 APRIL SOUTH WEST 21/22 JUNE LONDON EAST 16/17 AUGUST LONDON SOUTH 27/28 SEPTEMBER DOUG SPENCE IS THE RACE DIRECTOR AND CO-OWNER/ FOUNDER OF DIRTY DOZEN RACES. CONTACT DOUG INFO@DIRTYDOZENRACES.COM FOR MORE DETAILS OR JUST TO SAY ‘HI’ Race Directors’ Special | Obstacle Race

21

ENDURER DASH

The Endurer Dash is in its third year of muddy obstacle course races. We have a smashing team of obstacle builders, great race day helpers, and herds of wonderful Endurer Dashers willing to put themselves through their paces at our races.

This year we are introducing a new 14k course. It goes under the road and into the lush forest full of yet more hills, mud, and water and off course once we’ve finished, great obstacles.

The Endurer Dash was created as a way to make a hilly wild race over fantastic terrain even more of a challenge. We believe our location has everything it needs for an epic and difficult race and we’ve added obstacles for even more fun.

Has it paid off? Yes! We get great people turning up for a fantastic day of thoroughly challenging obstacle racing. Our race is building in difficulty as we add more challenges, and this year, our 14k course will be amazing. One not to be missed!

22

Obstacle Race | Race Directors’ Special

ENDURER DASH

UPCOMING 2014 EVENTS AT THE PEAK DISTRICT ENDURER DASH 8KM: APRIL 12TH ENDURER DASH 14KM: APRIL 13TH ENDURER DASH 8KM: SEPTEMBER 27TH ENDURER DASH 14KM: SEPTEMBER 28TH TO REGISTER VISIT WWW.ENDUREREVENTS.CO.UK Race Directors’ Special | Obstacle Race

23

FITNESS GARAGE To compete in an outdoor Obstacle Race we all know that our body has to be like a finely tuned engine, so where better to do this than in the Fitness Garage. The garage is the new place to be for the OCR enthusiast in South Yorkshire. The brand new facility based just off the M1, in North Sheffield, boasts a 5,000 sq ft functional training gym called the body shop and is run by a team of body mechanics (personal trainers, ex-Special Forces personnel and athletes) all dedicated to fine tuning performance in preparation for competition.

The body shop is home to a central 30 metre astro run that is used for metabolic conditioning utilising punishing drills such as prowler suicide runs, hercules barrow pushes, farmers walk bars and bulldog sled lunges to name but a few. If your legs are not like jelly after this then there is always the wattbike which can be used for gruelling HIIT sessions that take you to your lactic threshold followed by full body conditioning routines with the battle ropes or vertical rope climbs. If that is not enough you can also practice your swings and “Hang Tough” on the tailor made rig that incorporates olympic rings, monkey bars and suspension units. “The Devil’s Playground” as the members call it does not finish there with a boxing ring, bags, kettlebells, plyometric boxes, rowers and extensive strength and conditioning kit. As you would expect from a facility called The Fitness Garage tyres will also feature heavily with six giant treads ready for action in the car park. The Steel City venue is aiming to become a real mecca for OCR with specialist training camps planned along with an outdoor training area and obstacle course.

Competitors will have access to the Garage’s treatment rooms called “Service bays” offering sports massage and deep tissue massages along with physiotherapy to help with injuries or any pre/post race niggles. The Refuel bar is a place to unwind with a coffee or protein snack, rehydrate or take on board pre and post workout supplementation. Accessibility is a strong ethos of the gym and it has been specially designed for wheelchair access and is already proving popular by providing specialist training and rehabilitation programmes.

If you are interested in being part of Team Fitness Garage for August’s Tough Mudder Event or are in the area and want to see for yourself how Fitness Garage can fine tune your performance, then get in touch: Call us on 0114 4385531, visit our website www. fitnessgarage.co.uk or see us on Facebook and follow us on Twitter @fitnessgarageuk.

24

Obstacle Race | Race Directors’ Special

FINE TUNING YOUR PERFORMANCE

FITNESS GARAGE

GET IN TOUCH WWW.FITNESSGARAGE.CO.UK Race Directors’ Special | Obstacle Race

25

GLADI8OR

DKS Sport have a long history in sports management and fitness. In their niche they have, for over 14 years, run, promoted and worked in the high octane world of motorsport. As you know this is physically demanding.

Over the years, athletes in motorsport have always been looking for new and varied ways to train for the demands of a long season. During the winter break they often head to the sunny climates of Spain or the USA, but in more recent years some have stayed in the UK, undertaking boot camps and other challenging outdoor training. This builds not only the stamina but the mental strength necessary to compete at the highest level.

Barry Deeks manages the fitness side of DKS Sport, with his background as a world class mountain bike rider.

He has over 10 years’ experience in the British Team which enables him to develop every aspect of an athlete’s fitness. Barry has to start planning for the off season in mid-June thus building on from where the athletes are and where they will compete in the next year. With the growth of obstacle races and XC events of a more challenging nature Barry saw these as a good way to build the mental strength and all over body fitness.

The plan was just to build a little XC course around a friend’s farm, a place we have used in the past. As the conversations started in the summer we were introduced to the world of obstacle racing and obstacle challenges.

The name Gladi8or came from the area local to the

26

Obstacle Race | Race Directors’ Special

venue; it’s where Boadicea and the Iceni tribe were based then defeated by the Roman gladiators. The course we use is about 8 miles; the Gladi8or event born.

The hashtag #risetothechallenge came about after talking to The British Heart Foundation. They spoke about heart sufferers that have a challenge each and every day; for some just walking leaves them out of breath and struggling to do everyday chores. Others are born with a hole in the heart and thus just surviving is a challenge.

With this partnership we created an event where everyone could #risetothechallenge. The only thing set in stone is the distance, and you can choose to attempt the obstacles if you wish. The feedback for this was overwhelming and with Gladi8ors able to run with friends, family and for a great cause we pushed forward and set the website and Facebook pages up.

The venue has great access from the main A11 at Thetford, and is set in some 170 acres of farmland. With the added addition of Thetford Forest surrounding the farm we set about creating a more rustic event. We have been proactive to use the woodland setting and the farm equipment to create the rustic obstacles. The venue has an existing equine XC course so with slight adaption we are using it all. We then add various size bales, truck and tractor tyres, logs and poles, barbed and electric wire to make it all work. The highlight is a run in and out the river that meanders through the farmland.

GLADI8TOR

GET IN TOUCH WWW.GLADI8OR.CO.UK Race Directors’ Special | Obstacle Race

27

GRIM

GRIM is one of the largest and definitely the most fun off-road adventure races in the UK. It was one of the very first races to be held of this type and has just celebrated its 11th birthday.

The course changes regularly but is always approximately 8.5 miles long and held over multi terrain – trails, rocky paths, sand dunes, mud, hills and through some rather large puddles and a bog!

GRIM does not follow the trend of recent obstacle events. All the elements on the course are natural elements although some are man-made. The moguls for example have obviously been created in order to test army vehicles over. This makes the event an ideal race for beginners to enter the world of adventure running. However, be warned, runners have reported that GRIM is a very tough physical challenge, tougher than most of its competitors.

This event is so popular it is held over 2 days, typically the first weekend of December. You can enter as an individual or with your friends and run as a team if you wish and about half of the field does this. About 40% of the field are female so the event has a much higher percentage of women than most events So what makes 5-6,000 or so runners come back year after year? Ex-Commonwealth Games medalist and

28

Obstacle Race | Race Directors’ Special

GRIM founder, John Gladwin, is philosophical about the event. “When it started, I understood that there was a demand for a new adventure event that was accessible to all. At the time there was only the Grizzly in Devon and the wonderful Tough Guy event. But these were both about enduring the elements and obstacles; great fun if that’s what you wanted but there must be room for a race that allowed the not so confidant to enter the world of adventure running.”

“We devised the route whilst sitting on a mound in our now, start / finish area while watching the opening sequence of the James Bond film, Die Another Day being filmed. It started to rain and was freezing cold. We were pretty miserable so I made the comment to my Army friend; “this is bloody grim.” An event was born!”

John says, “We like the event to be fun but it must be challenging. It is a fine line but given the feedback we get, I think we’ve achieved it.”

GRIM has become a series of events over the years.

There is a short and very sharp 10k held every May called the Beast in the East. It incorporates the UK’s hardest moto-cross circuit. There is also a duathlon and a 7 mile run held at night, as if GRIM during the day isn’t hard enough!

GRIM

COMPETITORS CAN ENTER VIA THE WEBSITE WWW.GRIMCHALLENGE.CO.UK TAKE A GRIM CHALLENGE TODAY! Race Directors’ Special | Obstacle Race

29

HELL ON THE HARBOURSIDE Hell on the Harbourside is an urban based challenge event taking place in Whitehaven, Cumbria ,on Sunday 25th May 2015. Starting on the harbourside, competitors head out and up towards the cliff top paths above the town via a 1:4 climb negotiating natural obstacles including the ‘steps of doom’ along with a few manufactured obstacles along the way to assist with the burn!

Having run, walked and crawled to the highest part of the course competitors negotiate obstacles such as the knife edge, Haigs hurdles, the tangle, the hill – yes! There is some more climbing and vertical ladders before descending to the harbour side to negotiate the ‘prom of pain.’

Dropping into the outer harbour, at low tide competitors negotiate the beach assault course, cheered along the way by the hundreds of spectators who turn out to watch the event from the harbour walls. A final climb of the harbour wall sees competitors heading back to the finish line negotiating giant lobster pots, the wash down and the mangle. Hell on the Harbourside provides two routes for competitors – tough which has 30 obstacles and which is 3 miles in length and ‘a la’al bit tougher’ which has 40 obstacles and is five miles long. Both routes are open to all abilities from couch potato to athlete and everyone in between.

With childrens’ and junior races, Hell on the Harbouside provides something for all of the family.

Childrens’ entries are £2 on the day which includes a goody bag and a medal. Junior entries can be made on line at a price of £10 – juniors receive medals, goody bags and event t shirts.

Adult entries are £26, all adults receive a quality technical t-shirt on completion of the event.

Hell on the Harbourside is a non-profit making event which in 2013 generated over £25K for charities operating in the Northwest of England Limited to 500 competitors entries will close on the 30th of April or sooner if the event becomes full, which happened in 2013 so don’t dely.

30

Obstacle Race | Race Directors’ Special

HELL ON THE HARBOURSIDE

SUNDAY 25TH MAY 2015 ENTRIES CAN BE MADE AT WWW.SIENTRIES.CO.UK Race Directors’ Special | Obstacle Race

31

THE BROOKS HELLRUNNER™ A running challenge, naturally speaking.

In 2004, TrailPlus chose some testing military training land in Hampshire to launch a new off-road running challenge with a difference. The event was called HellRunner™ and the devil of all trail runs was unleashed.

Creator and TrailPlus owner Paul Magner comments; “HellRunner is all about utilising entirely natural terrain and features as the ‘obstacles’- but in a way to ensure smiles on people’s faces if not a little mud and sweat on the brow.”

He continues: “Enjoying the challenge and communal experience is at the heart of every HellRunner event.

We say forget distance markers and personal bests and embrace The Hills of Hell and Bog of Doom.”

The distance for each HellRunner event varies slightly but is usually somewhere between 10 and 11 miles. In searching out new and unusual terrain TrailPlus’ course designers like to go off-piste and no matter what the weather might bring during the autumn / winter period, when the events usually take place, one thing is for sure: You’ll go up, you’ll go down and you’ll get wet.

HellRunner is indeed sheer filthy pleasure.

HellRunner is supported by long-term sponsors and specialist running shoe company, Brooks. Perhaps, then, it is most appropriate that they currently have a marketing strapline that reads ‘Run Happy.’ This is a philosophy at the heart of each race-day experience that typically attracts over 6000+ runners each year. Entertainment and theatre merge throughout the course. A regular attendee is the devil himself! Well, a dressed-for-the-part stilt-walker. After seeing the runners or, as TrailPlus prefers to call them, victims, depart the devil heads off to the signature ‘Bog of

32

Obstacle Race | Race Directors’ Special

Doom’ to be the resident DJ at his own Devil’s Disco.

Ah yes- the Bog of Doom! Increasingly the most sought-out feature for spectators, the Bog of Doom is usually a stinking, foul-smelling water filled bog or trench strategically positioned towards the end of the challenge. For Hell down South the feature is enhanced by a dazzling pyrotechnical effects…flame, smoke and explosions. Attention seeking? You bet!

The latest ‘experience’ on offer is the new ‘Heaven from Hell’ section. A place where the organisers have clearly gone soft on the runners. Witness cheerleaders dressed as angels, jelly babies, drinks station, sports massage therapists, more music and various goodies on offer from Brooks. Phew! HellRunner is where runners can swap pampering for whimpering in a stride!

It all makes HellRunner arguably the UK’s most iconic off-road running experience where everyone is invited to the party. Dress code is clearly ‘fancy’ for many and, for some, nearly optional!

The Brooks HellRunner Series comprises Hell Down South at Longmoor Military Training Camp near Bordon in Hampshire (Jan 10th 2015); Hell up North in Cheshire’s stunning Delamere Forest on 1st November and, coming up, Hell in the Middle which takes place on April 26th at Belvoir Castle between Nottingham and Grantham.

Entry prices start from £30 and rewards include a Brooks technical running finisher’s t-shirt, bespoke medal and deluxe goody bag. Pain, pleasure and mud all included in the price. There’s even a Little Devil’s Fun Run for young and old who just want to be tempted a teenyweeny bit by the Devil.

Watch the short video trailer and get a taste for the action too.

THE BROOKS HELLRUNNER

FOR FULL EVENT AND ENTRY DETAILS VISIT WWW.HELLRUNNER.CO.UK. Race Directors’ Special | Obstacle Race

33

JUDGEMENT DAY Bored of the same old obstacles? Want a real challenge?

Be part of the obstacle race revolution with Judgement Day 2014….

If you think jumping over 2ft bales of hay and crawling through mud is a test of your fitness, then you’re going to hit a huge wall at our events. We launched Judgement Day for one reason – to provide unique, challenging courses and events for people who are looking to test themselves, physically and mentally.

Judgement Day is taking obstacle racing in a new direction and our inaugural race will set the tone for future events. We’ve built relationships with hundreds of people already, purely through the love of this sport and although there is an elite wave, everyone is there for the same reason - to get to the finish line, even if it is on their hands and knees.

For the event on 26th and 27th April, you won’t find a course map or obstacle list published anywhere – we don’t want any of you to be flanked by a guy who knows what’s coming next and spends his time telling everyone what’s up ahead. We can only tell you that you’ll need to prepare for all eventualities. You should expect to run 10 miles, exhaust your upper body strength and feel utterly depleted whilst having to battle your way to the next obstacle.

If you haven’t already heard, the location of the first Judgement Day is Copehill Down - a purpose built village designed to look like a town in the middle of war. More impressively, it’s used by the British Special Forces for

34

Obstacle Race | Race Directors’ Special

FIBUA training. FIBUA [fighting in built up areas] or ‘urban warfare training’ is a method used by the MoD to condition their soldiers and teach them how to fight in the complexity of urban terrain. The course may include underground tunnels, rafters of buildings and rubble-filled streets that have been blown to pieces.

We’ll be frank; you will need to train for any Judgement Day event and we recommend lots of body weight and functional training. We’re big fans of things like TRX and CrossFit, as a lot of the exercises mimic what you’ll be doing during the course. We also suggest interval training and breaking up your running by interspersing with burpees, squats, jumping lunges and other compound moves.

Every Judgement Day event will evolve, as Race Leader and Founder Mark Buller states, ‘No Judgement Day event will be the same as anything else on offer, and this first event will really showcase the calibre of courses and challenges we can deliver. As an obstacle racer myself, I know I’m looking for the next thing to try, which is what brought Judgement Day to life. We’re leading the revolution and setting the pace which OCR fans should expect. There will be no standing around in the rain on the start line.’

Finally as an extra, we’re offering free digital images, a free finisher’s medal and t-shirt, as well as free training sessions in the run up to the event...so what are you waiting for?

JUDGEMENT DAY

JOIN US IN THE OBSTACLE EVENT REVOLUTION. FIND OUT MORE AND REGISTER NOW: WWW.JUDGEMENT-DAY.CO.UK YOU CAN ALSO FIND US ON FACEBOOK /JUDGEMENTDAYUK & TWITTER @JUDGEMENTDAYUK *free training is for registered participants of Judgement Day 2014.

Race Directors’ Special | Obstacle Race

35

MONSTER RACE Why take on the Monster and not one of the many other events out there? Our focus on is organising a challenging, fun event which is also value for money at the same time. We want our Monsters to wake up the next day feeling battered and bruised, with a big smile on their faces but not feel like they’ve blown their month’s spending money in one go. So if that sounds good to you this is the place to be.

We held our first event in Wiltshire in November 2013.

The event sold out and we saw over a thousand Monsters tackling the course. In 2014 we will be hosting 2 events with each offering 5k and 10k options (disclaimer: the courses will most likely again be longer than this!).

Our Summer Monster will be held at a new venue in Oxfordshire during May. This one is going to feature lots and lots of forest running. It’s a pretty awesome site and we are chuffed to bits we’ve been given permission to use the land. It lends itself well to offering a longer course distances which is something we will offer in 2015. We then return to Wiltshire, in November, to stage our Winter Monster; let’s hope it’s cold and wet. We can’t wait to see people hitting the Monsters’ Marsh again!

On the obstacle front we use a team of builders who have experience of event builds on an international level.

We want to ensure our obstacles have a quality, well built feel to them. Our plan is to add more and more obstacles at each and every event we hold. Basically the more Monsters we get signed up the more obstacles we will build for each event.

As mentioned, offering value for money is really important to us. We keep our entry fees as low as possible. We also want to be as transparent as possible so don’t have hidden extras. We won’t sting you for parking or spectator entry. The more friends and family we can get along supporting our runners the better as far as we are concerned. All areas of our courses can also be accessed by supporters so if they want to get out in the thick of it they are able to. Our race photos are also free to download. We received a lot of positive feedback about taking this approach after our first event.

One thing we are pretty stoked about is the number of female runners we have in our ranks. Over 60% of our Monsters are female. So, guys, if you want to spend a few hours running around with lots of fit ladies and earn a quality medal in the process this is the event to be at!

36

Obstacle Race | Race Directors’ Special

MONSTER RACE

FOR MORE INFO GO TO WWW.MONSTERRACE.CO.UK Race Directors’ Special | Obstacle Race

37

NO EGO CHALLANGE NO EGO CHALLENGE PRESENTS MUD RACE – PRESTON JOIN US FOR A DIRTY WEEKEND SATURDAY 10 MAY, FROM 10.20AM

No Ego Challenge Mud Races return on Saturday 10th May with the Preston Mud Race at Leisure Lakes, Preston.

Get down and dirty in the No Ego Mud Challenge. This is the toughest No Ego Challenge in our series of races; a high adrenaline 10km trek across tough, muddy terrain designed to test your strength, stamina and determination encountering over 30 gruelling obstacles and challenges on the way like ‘The Mangle’, ‘Tunnel of Mud’ and ‘Getting Tyred’.

No Ego have teamed together with ex-marines commandos’ outdoor training company Go Commando Fitness to make this the mother of all assault courses. The challenge will include Go Commando Fitness’ on-site 20 obstacle boot camp course. But to really push competitors we will be adding 30+ additional obstacles. You WILL be in the lake, mud, and drainage ditches multiple times, plus the obstacles!

The gruelling military style obstacles will test more than your stamina and strength. There will be obstacles YOU WILL need help to get under and over. This course will test the most elite athletes, but will also be a fun and testing course for the first timer.

For more ‘smiles per mile’ we highly recommend running as a team or group, but rest assured you will quickly make friends with other runners and our volunteers are always on hand to give you a hand over the obstacles.

38

Obstacle Race | Race Directors’ Special

No Ego Challenge races are about leaving your ‘ego’ at home and being part of the adventure, achieving a personal goal and above all having fun (whilst trying to survive).

No Ego Challenge Mud Race – Preston South takes place on Saturday 10 May from10.20am. Entry starts at £29 but the earlier you join the bigger the discount. Enter online at www.noegochallenge.com.

For more information, interviews with the race organiser and entry into the event please contact Pete Murray on 07745 552373.

Further Information: No Ego Challenge was started by Brian Lee. Brian lived in the USA for over 10 years with his family where he worked in the construction industry. Whilst living in Illinois, Brian and his wife were involved in running a series of successful soccer tournaments.

Since returning to the UK, Brian wanted to pursue his love of keeping fit and bring his knowledge of construction and event management together. This has resulted in developing the No Ego Challenge brand. After seeing the popularity of challenge and adventure racing in the US, Brian felt there was the opportunity to develop further races in the UK; and particularly the Mud and Head Torch races.

NO EGO

ENTER ONLINE AT WWW.NOEGOCHALLENGE.COM Race Directors’ Special | Obstacle Race

39

NUCLEAR RACES Building a community is at the core of everything we do.

We want to encourage individuals and groups who share the same passion for obstacle racing to be part of the #NuclearFamily and at the same time remain dedicated to their fitness training, whether it’s at the gym, club, bootcamp, running group or on their own.

We want everyone who takes part at The Nuclear Races to have an unforgettable and memorable experience. Our events and courses are gritty & unforgiving which different people will attack in different ways. When all is said and done though, we just want our entrants to set themselves a goal and smash it; leaving mentally tougher, proud of their achievement and absolutely ready to rise to another challenge. At the centre of Nuclear Races are: Community, Experience & Attitude.

The Nuclear Races Team At the heart of Nuclear Races are an industrious, inventive, passionate, creative & determined team. James Parrish is our director and it’s his ideas, enthusiasm and attention to detail which ensure all events are of the highest quality. Damian Williams co-ordinates his team of builders and engineers to bring obstacles, mud, event villages & races together on race day, while David Stump and Lucy Goodson help spread the muddy word throughout the social media community and beyond.

We mustn’t forget the land, as it’s as much a part of the team as any. Thick Essex mud, undulating terrain, woodland, fields, ditches, streams and lakes all make up the courses at Nuclear Races. Owning the 1000 acre Kelvedon Hatch Secret Nuclear Bunker estate, having heavy machinery on hand at all times and knowing the

40

Obstacle Race | Race Directors’ Special

land so well, means we know how to make the terrain work best. It’s because of this, we can create endless possibilities; making sure our racers are pushed to their limits at every event.

Obstacles The team and land make up a great deal of the Nuclear Races experience, but an obstacle course race would be nothing without obstacles which make you pause for thought, take a deep breath, and check the sanity of your actions!

We’ve more than 50 different natural and man-made obstacles that we employ during our races and we’re not talking about mounds and ditches – we’re talking about substantial permanent man-made obstacles that test your mental & physical fitness, senses & abilities.

In 2014 we undertook a building programme which can only be described as gargantuan. As well as the existing obstacles from previous years, 2014 will see the addition of a giant 2 storey vertical slide, 100 metre monkey bars, ice pits, supersized ¼ pipes, zip wires over water and more…

Why enter a Nuclear Race?

That’s the simplest question of all and is answered by countless members of our past entrants and facebook and Twitter community. We do what we say we will do – deliver exciting, top quality events and we’re real (there’s no corporations here).

So it doesn’t matter if you are a solo entrant or part of a team, we’ll embrace all into the #NuclearFamily. To find out more visit www.nuclear-races.co.uk

NUCLEAR RACES

RACE SCHEDULE NUCLEAR BLACKOUT, NIGHT RUN, 15TH MARCH (OCR World Championships Qualifying Event) NUCLEAR RUSH, 11TH MAY (OCR World Championships Qualifying Event) NUCLEAR BLACKOUT, NIGHT RUN, 20TH SEPTEMBER (OCR World Championships Qualifying Event) NUCLEAR FALLOUT, 2ND NOVEMBER TO FIND OUT MORE VISIT WWW.NUCLEAR-RACES.CO.UK Race Directors’ Special | Obstacle Race

41

NUTS CHALLENGE The main Nuts challenge is held twice a year - Winter Nuts in March and Summer Nuts August/September.

It’s an approximately 7k long course with around 100 obstacles per 7k and has a military themed assault course. Designed to push individuals to their limit, the Nuts Challenge has four distance options for different abilities (7k, 14k, 21k or 28k) and the venue is open all year round…

1 Lap (7k) is perfect for those of you that want to take on a fun challenge with little experience in obstacle racing.

It’s the perfect excuse to just have a go and try something new. There is no pressure so take it at your own pace and only take part on the obstacles you want. This is a popular choice for charity runners, hen & stag groups and people that just want to give it a go.

2 laps (14 km) is there for those that want to push themselves that little bit extra while still having lots of fun.

Many people come back to do this race after completing one lap on their first time at The Nuts Challenge. Please note you will need to be on your final lap by 2pm.

3 laps (21 km) are where all the seriousness begins.

Many people work their way up to get to this level and above. You must consider yourself fit and active to take on 3 laps as you will be on the course with people that have trained and take part in these type of events regularly. Please note you will need to be on your final lap by 2pm.

4 laps (28 km) is the ultimate level in The Nuts Challenge and you will need to be the fittest of the fit to take part.

We recommend training for this event. Expect to be on the Nuts course for 4 to 6 hours. Currently our fastest contestant is the UK Top obstacle course competitor Jonathan Albon @ 2 hours 51 minutes. Don’t forget to bring drinks and snacks as we have a refuelling area. Please note you will need to be on your final lap by 2pm.

42

Obstacle Race | Race Directors’ Special

NUTS CHALLENGE

FOR MORE INFO GO TO WWW.THENUTSCHALLENGE.CO.UK Race Directors’ Special | Obstacle Race

43

PANDEMONIUM The year is 2014 and the mayhem is back for its second mental year. We’ve made the courses even harder this year with more obstacles and more mayhem, but that just gives you more kudos of becoming a true Pandemonian!

operational military base set high above its closest town of Bath. The site has a purpose built obstacle course and huge amounts of woodland with some great open stretches where other surprises will be set up this year.

About the Courses…

Both courses have 20+ obstacles per 6k lap and are tried and tested by our previous surviving Pandemonians and our very own military advisors to bring you something truly mental!

So, what can you expect from your experience with us….

• A well earned ‘Survivor’s’ medal • Performance t-shirt for every runner • Chip Timing so you can set your course record • Free Parking • The kudos of becoming a Pandemonian!

You can expect water crossings, walls, mud pits, slides, lots of mud, things to climb, things to crawl under and over, some more mud... and a few surprises along the way which (or who) aren’t exactly there to keep you company should you get lonely out there in your bid to escape to mayhem!

The Warwickshire site The home of Pandemonium was almost a blank canvas apart from a disused 4 x 4 track once owned by the MOD. By combining the rest of the farm land, the reservoir and some woodland from Gamecock Barracks we knew we had an amazing site in the making.

Pandemonium was always meant to follow an apocalyptic theme so the focus was always to use a large amount of natural obstacles (some enhanced), vehicles, trailers plus a few extras to bolster the course to make it continually exciting; anything that you might encounter as you try to escape the mayhem. It’s raw, it’s open and unforgiving but that’s what makes it great.

The Bath site New for 2014, but a site we know well, Colerne is an

44

Obstacle Race | Race Directors’ Special

Your Race Categories & Entry fees…

You can either enter Pandemonium as an INDIVIDUAL or, a TEAM OF 4 (Teams qualify for a 15% discount on their entry when all entrants are registered on the same booking. If you are entering as a team of 4, please enter PANDTEAM at the checkout and your 15% will be removed prior to payment.)

Individual Entry – You can enter as many ‘Individuals’ as you wish onto one booking but please have all participant’s details to hand before starting the booking.

Team of 4 – Please have all participants’ details to hand before starting the booking. You will need to enter all 4 participants’ details onto the multiple booking option. You will be asked for the discount code at the checkout which is PANDTEAM. Contact Details: events@nakedstrength.co.uk Facebook: /PandemoniumRace Twitter: @PandemoniumRace

PANDEMONIUM

EVENTS 23RD FEBRUARY – WARWICKSHIRE, CV12 9JX 8TH JUNE – BATH, SN14 8QY 17TH AUGUST – WARWICKSHIRE, CV12 9JX 6k & 12k courses available at ALL Pandemonium events Entry Fees for 6k – £25 Individual or £85 for a Team of 4 Entry Fees for 12k – £35 Individual or £119 for a Team of 4

FOR MORE INFO GO TO WWW.PANDEMONIUMRACE.CO.UK Race Directors’ Special | Obstacle Race

45

PUKKA RACES Pukka Races is an Essex based company who create obstacle runs with a twist! Unlike your typical mud runs, Pukka Races are all themed and hold new surprises and obstacles you’ve never seen before. Our races range in difficulty, so whether you’re new to obstacle racing or a fully fledged fanatic we have a race to suit you. All Pukka Racers receive a Pukka Races T-shirt, medal and goodie bag. There are prizes for the top 3 male + female runners…with an on-the-day presentation.

Pukka Themes, Pukka Obstacles, PUKKA RACES! WORLD WAR RUN Ever wondered what it was like to be in the middle of hell in WW1? Well now you can get a taste.

WORLD WAR RUN is a 5 mile charity obstacle race created to commemorate 100 years since WW1.

What better way to remember our fallen heroes than to experience a snippet of what they went through every day for over 4 years.

The course will take you through trenches, barbed wire, gruelling mud pits, lakes and mustard smoke. You will come under enemy paintball fire but watch out…you might meet some face to face!

WORLD WAR RUN promises to be like no other obstacle race in the world, with new obstacles never seen before and all for a great cause!

Pukka Races’ chosen charity is the Invicta Foundation who provides support to wounded service personnel and their families.

Invicta says: “We are working to raise money to build our first specially equipped respite house for the wounded and their family to reside in temporarily so that they may adjust as a family unit to living with the effects of their injuries caused in conflict.”

ONLY FOOLS RIDE HORSES Stick a pony in me pocket… ONLY FOOLS RIDE HORSES is a 4 mile themed obstacle run over an equine cross country course.

The race takes you through hilly fields, streams and woodland with 30+ obstacles to negotiate along the way, including some Del Boy classics!

ONLY FOOLS RIDE HORSES is packed full of new challenges and surprises, but don’t let its humorous theme fool you... it’s a tough one!

46

Obstacle Race | Race Directors’ Special

PUKKA RACES

DON’T BE A PLONKER! REGISTER NOW AT WWW.PUKKARACES.CO.UK Race Directors’ Special | Obstacle Race

47

ROCK SOLID RACE Rock Solid Race is a full on cocktail of mud, sweat and teamwork that will push your mettle to the max!

Our obstacles are a mix of mega-man-made structures coupled with the most challenging terrain we can find at each venue. We will push you to your max with an entry level 5k or intermediate 10k, as we strive to deliver the best OCR experience possible to keep you craving your next shot at a RockSolid.

More than OCR! We ain’t just about awesome obstacle courses; we’re renowned for the best event facilities; showers, changing facilities and bag drop. Après RockSolid features bars, street food, bands and more!

Who does RockSolid?

90% teams, 50% females, 100% fun attitudes all round!

When are the events?

15th March 2014, Exeter 20th September 2014, Milton Keynes / Northampton Any Training Sessions?

Yes - we hold 2 hour long RockSolid Boot Camps in Exeter and Milton Keynes.

Sign up to RockSolidRace and find out why 99% of our customers at our last event said they’ll be back in 2014!

Highlights: The best OCR facilities in the UK Hot Showers No Electrocution More obstacles per km than any other event High spec obstacles at every event Chipped Timing Après RockSolid

48

Obstacle Race | Race Directors’ Special

ROCK SOLID RACE

BOOK NOW AT WWW. ROCKSOLIDRACE.COM Race Directors’ Special | Obstacle Race

49

SPARTAN RACE Obstacle Race magazine readers will already be aware how popular their sport has become. For millions of fans around the world, the prospect of competing in a straightforward road race is becoming increasingly unappealing. Many people are growing tired of running 5ks and 10ks. A new generation of runner now seeks a fresh challenge, one that’s great fun for you and your friends. Obstacle racing has become a global sports craze and in the UK, Spartan Race, one of the world’s most popular obstacle racing series, is staging six amazing events this year.

A supreme test for your general fitness and your strength of character, Spartan Races will put your through your paces like no other obstacle race. Our motto is: “You’ll know at the finish line”, and anyone who has spent any time standing at the finish of a Spartan Race and has witnessed its triumphant competitors cross that line will fully appreciate our motto’s meaning.

You’ll be clambering through ditches and troughs filled with mud, plunging into breathtakingly-cold barrels of ice, gathering all your courage to leap over fire logs, dodging the smoke and flames. Then there are obstacles involving boulders and hoists, monkey bars to traverse and barbed wire tunnels to crawl under. Sometimes you’ll be asked to carry giant tractor wheels across boggy marshlands, or heave water-filled jerry cans up a steep hill. Climbing over walls can involve teamwork, maybe helping you bond with friends and fellow racers.

You can take the race at your own speed and you don’t have to be ultra fit to take part, but, as part of the proud Spartan Race tradition, precise details of obstacles are kept top secret before race day. You’d think with all the muscles and male testosterone on display at obstacle racing events that the vast majority of Spartan racers are

50

Obstacle Race | Race Directors’ Special

men. But that’s not the case. In fact, around 40 per cent of our racers are women, and the sense of achievement of both sexes is immense.

As you approach the finish line, exhausted and caked in mud, your last obstacle will be human. Musclebound Spartan gladiators, wearing crimson capes and helmets, and armed with giant pugil sticks, will do their best to sweep you off your feet. Dodge past them and you’ll receive your coveted Spartan Race finisher’s medal and be hailed a Spartan Warrior! Every UK Spartan Sprint race also has a children’s event for Spartan Juniors aged five to 12. These are a much tamer version of our adult race, about 0.5 miles of small obstacles. The kids love it! Tickets cost £15 and can be bought on race day.

The 2014 Spartan Race season starts on Saturday August 30th with the “South London Sprint”, a 3+ miles course with 15 or more obstacles. The challenging Sprint races are a great way to get off your couch and start living. Beginners to hard core warriors, and marathon runners alike come out to test themselves on the insane obstacles. Our records show that 99.9 per cent of all people who try this event will finish, and 100 per cent will have their thirst for mud fully satisfied. The top three males and top three females at each Spartan Sprint qualify for free entry into a Super Spartan race of his or her choice.

The first Spartan Super will be held on Sunday August 31st. The Super Spartan obstacle race provides an 8+ miles / 20+ obstacles battlefield of crazy mud running with more obstacles to test your physical strength and mental resolve. The top 3 Males and top 3 Females at each Super Spartan qualify for free entry into the Spartan Beast, being staged on Saturday, October 11. And at the Beast, there is prize-money on offer of over £1,500 for the fastest male and female finisher.

SPARTAN RACE

FULL DETAILS OF ALL UK SPARTAN RACE EVENTS CAN BE FOUND AT WWW.UK.SPARTANRACE.COM Race Directors’ Special | Obstacle Race

51

SPARTAN RACE TRAINING Spartan Race Training UK are the official coaches for Spartan Race in the UK. Spartan Race Training UK is powered by Wild Forest Gym, the specialists in obstacle race training. Head Coach is Michael Cohen, manager and coach to Thomas Blanc the UK Spartan Race Champion 2013.

Race SAFE… Race FIT… RACE READY! Spartan Race Training’s founding principal is Race SAFE. Head Coach, Michael Cohen says “I do not care how fit a contender is unless they are Race SAFE then it doesn’t matter.”

Cohen’s philosophy is based on the fact that it is so easy to have an injury when racing if they do not have the safety tools and the right kit. Cohen goes on to say “pressups and pullups are fitness but when it comes to Race SAFE we need a whole new range of skills. These include learning how to fall, break roll, jump, land, climb, lift, throw, balance, mud run and immerse in cold water.”

It is these primary tools that are going to reduce the risk of injuries. And it is for this reason a main focus of Spartan Race Training Camps are about teaching these skills, so that when a contender turns the corner and is confronted by an obstacle, they can tackle it correctly and confidently.

52

Obstacle Race | Race Directors’ Special

Another key aspect to the training is that they will train you outdoors on terrain and in weather conditions that simulate racing. That makes it real-time training!

Here at Spartan Race Training they coach elite, seasoned and newbies to obstacle races. They offer different training camps for all levels and abilities.

Interestingly Cohen says; “The newbies are easy, they absorb everything that we teach them. They are in fact the first to sign up. However, it is the more seasoned racer who relies on brute force and luck rather than good skills and techniques in many cases. But we are educating them and provided specialist Elite & Advanced Spartan Race Training Camps. We are seeing more and more joining the ranks and getting the fundamental skills in place.”

What if I am not a Spartan Racer?

Spartan Race believes in training contenders, whatever OCR they are entering. Cohen says “Spartans have a reputation to train to be the finest. Our job is to challenge you, and move you beyond your boundaries and limitations. Whatever race you are competing in we want you to achieve your goal; in fact, to exceed it. Whether you wish to be a finisher or you’re after a PB or aspire to be standing on the podium we will make sure you are Race FIT...Race SAFE... Race Ready!”

SPARTAN RACE TRAINING

FOR FULL DETAILS ON SPARTAN RACE TRAINING CAMPS VISIT WWW.SPARTANRACETRAININGUK.COM EMAIL INFO@SPARTANRACETRAININGUK.COM OR TELEPHONE 0845 4561336 Race Directors’ Special | Obstacle Race

53

SUPERSHOT

Punishing obstacles, pumping adrenaline and… paintballs?

Introducing the freshest obstacle race on the scene – the SuperShot Challenge Alistair Galbraith, creator of the SuperShot Challange, says: “How did we get started? Well, we began by sketching out the most unique, fun and just all out crazy experience possible. But it was still lacking something. A final shot of adrenaline to send people surging over the line. And then it hit me. Paintballs.”

Alistair’s the big dog at the SuperShot Challenge.

And it was his stroke of inspiration that lead to the final twist in an already demanding course. Working closely with an elite team of designers to turn Finmere Airfield on the Oxford-Buckinghamshire border into 10km of legweakening, energy-sapping goodness.

Step up to the start line alongside hundreds of other competitors on Saturday 15th March and you’ll find yourself facing an array of tunnels, camo nets and ice plunges that will test every level of obstacle racer.

Conquer all that? Well then you’re heading to the 1km long SuperShot Zone, my friend. And it’s sure to sting.

Once you’ve donned your protective goggles (we all remember what happened to PJ and Duncan after all) you’ll have to dodge, dip, duck, dive and dodge your way through a haze of paintballs towards the finish line. But the fellas firing them are no amateur guns for hire. They’re the finest paintball marksmen Alistair could find. So if you

54

Obstacle Race | Race Directors’ Special

don’t want to catch their beady eyes you might want to rethink that rainbow coloured afrowig/mankini combo.

Don’t say we didn’t try to warn you!

If it’s all just a bit too much for you – don’t curl up into a ball and cry at the side of the course. Alistair was keen to create a race that caters to all abilities. So while insane groups of mates are busy using each other as human shields, you can always join the less foolhardy and use the special rat run to pass by the paintballs unscathed.

Get through all that in one piece and you can sit down (or perch – depending on where the paintballs hit you!) and unwind with a well-deserved cold one in the ReFuel spectator area. Job done!

What next for the SuperShot Challenge? Well, next year the plan is for more locations, more obstacles and thousands more paintballs. But for now Alistair is playing his paint-stained cards close to his chest. One thing’s for sure, whatever direction he decides to take the Challenge in – it’s sure to be unique.

Sound like your kind of pain? There are still a limited number of places left for this year’s race on Saturday 15th March. You can bag one of the remaining spots from just £55 per person or £50 per person if you’re entering as part of a team of five or more people. All online entries include a FREE race day t-shirt to soak up some of the paint, sweat and tears.

SUPERSHOT

FULL DETAILS OF RACE EVENTS CAN BE FOUND AT WWW.SUPERSHOTCHALLENGE.CO.UK Race Directors’ Special | Obstacle Race

55

SURVIVAL RUNNING Survival Running Events was founded with the intention of creating an off-road obstacles course race boasting predominantly natural obstacles. The company’s headquarters are set in twenty-five acres of stunning Worcestershire countryside, including forest, open field, water and lots of hills!

Our races are tough, scenic and natural, with participants challenging their own fitness in a number of ways. Survival Running races include optional carrying stations, allowing runners to really test themselves by carrying a log or sandbag up a gruelling hill. The natural obstacles are all formed from materials you may find on a woodland run – but developed into intriguing challenges!

These may be mental and/or physical and contain a few hidden surprises… We even used pumpkins as route markers in our Halloween run ‘The Big Burn’ to further solidify our natural, no-gimmicks image.

Survival Running offers a variety of services, from large running races to bespoke events and also weekly classes.

These consist of a running session ‘The Chase’ which uses hills, weight and team games to push your fitness levels, and circuits in both our specialised ‘The Compound’ facility at the headquarters, with classes also operating near Evesham and Stratford-upon-Avon. We aim to incorporate the paleo way into our training, and focus on exercise using natural objects and bodyweight, but moving away from standard gym exercises. The company is managed by an ex-Royal Marine and current personal trainer, an ex-

56

Obstacle Race | Race Directors’ Special

professional cricketer and ex-rower, providing a balanced style to fitness, sport and nutrition.

We have delivered bespoke team-building sessions for county sports teams and for birthday sessions. Our smaller events, days and overnight camps have also included stag and hen parties and corporate team-building activity days.

Our tailor-made venue acts as an excellent base for these events. We have also run various camps for children and hope to provide a 2k run for youths at our July event.

We pride ourselves on our relationships with both local and nationwide charities. Survival Running developed and conducted an ongoing programme for a nearby youth centre, to improve the fitness and motivation of the youths involved. We also brought together all our regular clients for a 24-hour ‘Survival Event’ where various fitness tasks were undertaken, and participants had to fend entirely for themselves in the surrounding woodland for the evening.

They were sponsored to do so, and all funds were donated to the Royal Marine Trust Fund.

In 2014 Survival Running aim to deliver the first ‘muddy’ half marathon and Santa run, alongside their other events, the next of which is ‘Beat the Night Bus’ – a muddy obstacle night run. Entry includes a head torch, t-shirt and free drink.

Survival Running Events are setting themselves apart from other obstacle run companies and are doing so by using imaginative course planning and a sustainable approach that doesn’t detract from the beautiful surroundings.

SURVIVAL RUNNING

FOR MORE INFORMATION PLEASE VISIT WWW.SURVIVAL-RUNNING.CO.UK OR EMAIL INFO@SURVIVAL-RUNNING.CO.UK Race Directors’ Special | Obstacle Race

57

TOTAL WARRIOR Total Warrior is the pinnacle of obstacle racing providing the greatest courses set in the finest venues. Join15,000 Warriors and prepare to take on one of the toughest 10K to 10 mile events in the world.

“Total Warrior isn’t just a well-oiled machine, it’s a well-oiled slick machine made of Teflon, lithium grease and baby oil. What a privilege to run the course. I struggled to find anything wrong with the entire weekend. So close to perfection, it’s scary!”

- Andy Parry pazpazpazblog.blogspot.com After a sell out event in our Lake District venue in 2013, we have added a new event to our race calendar, which will be at Bramham Park, Leeds.

With 30 punishing obstacles designed alongside ex-military personnel, you get the ultimate test of strength, stamina, mental determination and teamwork. Be prepared for mud, hills, water, fire, electric shocks and ice as we put you through our gruelling course.

Participants come from all over the World to compete in Total Warrior with thousands staying over to make a weekend of it. Live music, a licensed bar and catering makes for a fantastic festival feel.

Although, Total Warrior is a challenge not a race, we fully believe in competition and applaud anyone who wants to try and set the fastest time. You can enter as an

58

Obstacle Race | Race Directors’ Special

individual or as part of a team. Discounts will be given to teams with 4 or more participants (the bigger the team, the bigger the discount).

There is an Awards Ceremony at the end of the day so make sure you hang around to cheer on other Warriors, socialise, claim your free victory beer and enjoy the live music. There are prizes for fastest individuals, fastest teams, best & worst costume and special spot prizes for participants who have overcome hardship in one way or another.

New for 2014 is a split-timed section of each course, where participants are timed over a set distance and the fastest runner over this section becomes the Sprint King (in the 10K race), or king of the Mountain (in the 10 mile race) at the end of the day.

Winner of Best all Round Event 2013 “Total Warrior get everything right. They have the most amazing location, with awesome terrain, incredible obstacles, slick registration, great event village and an after party worth hanging around for. You couldn’t fault them if you tried. Seriously – pure class through and through.”

Unsurprisingly, Total Warrior sells out months in advance.

Make sure you and your team mates book early to ensure your place for 2014. Keep up to date with what is going on with Total Warrior via Facebook and Twitter.

TOTAL WARRIOR

EVENTS FOR 2014 BRAMHAM PARK, LEEDS 21ST JUNE AND 22ND JUNE SHAP, LAKE DISTRICT, 2ND AND 3RD AUGUST FOR MORE INFORMATION AND TO ENTER, PLEASE GO TO OUR WEBSITE WWW.TOTALWARRIOR.CO.UK Race Directors’ Special | Obstacle Race

59

TOUGH ENOUGH Sunday 18th May 2014 sees The General return for his 3rd Tour. In 1944 General Eisenhower addressed the troops ahead of the D-Day landings... In the 1990s thousands of ravers fought off sleep by dancing throughout the night...

Having established our great course in 2012, one of the big international players in the world of obstacle racing decided to host their race at our location the following year too. We have embraced this and think that we have not only chosen a great course but a truly amazing location.

History is in the making when you join your likeminded ‘Band of Brothers/Sisters’ by tackling this unique and challenging environment situated on the outskirts of Winchester at the Matterley Bowl. Alongside the challenging natural environment you will have to tackle The General’s arduous man made obstacles.

The cross-country run incorporates the same course as the Battle Zone and The Rifle course. The course includes a demanding variety of farm tracks, woodland, valleys, motor cross tracks and even a tank track. Think that’s enough? You can do it all again with the 20K course taking in a second lap. Want to do the Battle Zone with all sixteen obstacles or thirty-two if competing in the 20K? Another alternative is to take on the Battle Zone carrying an object the length and weight (approx. 5kg) the equivalent of todays British Army’s Rifle.

60

Obstacle Race | Race Directors’ Special

What will you expect from our obstacles?

As you would expect they will be exciting; you will get barbed wire, water dips, tyre mats, hay bail stacks and even a Chieftain tank to crawl under. The rest we like to keep under wraps but if you do want to know a few more please take a look at our website www.toughenoughraces. co.uk 10/20K Battle and Rifle finishers will receive a medal, t-shirt and a drink. All participants who complete the 10K cross-country will receive a medal and drink. With all season parking available this allows our event to go ahead no matter the weather at no cost to you. The wetter the better as this can only mean one thing, more mud!

Please bring along brothers, sisters, mothers, fathers, friends, lovers and even your Nan to cheer you along.

They are all welcome at no cost and to keep them warm and fed they can enjoy a variety of hot/cold drinks along with delicious homemade cakes.

We support three great charities the Joe Glover Trust, Wessex Cancer and Oxfords Children’s Hospital. If you need a charity these can support you to reach targets and motivate you, or feel free to run for your chosen charity.

Last years winners are invited back to hold on to their number one spot! Can you beat them… Tough Enough?

Please do contact us at Tough Enough Races info@ toughenoughraces.co.uk or follow us on Twitter @ enoughtough or our Facebook page Tough Enough Races.

TOUGH ENOUGH

THE CHALLENGE FOUR TESTS OF ENDURANCE 10K CROSS COUNTRY RUN ENTRY FROM £14.00 10K BATTLE ZONE ENTRY FROM £28.00 10K BATTLE ZONE CARRYING RIFLE* ENTRY FROM £32.00 *NEW* 20K BATTLE ZONE With Or Without Rifle FROM £38.00 FOR MORE INFORMATION AND TO ENTER, PLEASE GO TO OUR WEBSITE WWW.TOUGHENOUGHRACES.CO.UK Race Directors’ Special | Obstacle Race

61

TOUGH MUDDER ARE YOU READY TO TAKE THE TOUGH MUDDER PLEDGE? FIND OUT MORE AND VISIT WWW.TOUGHMUDDER.CO.UK

About There are no two ways about it - Tough Mudder events are hard-core. The 10 to 12 mile obstacle courses are designed by British Special Forces to test all round strength, stamina and mental grit. Tough Mudder is not a race; it’s a challenge - a way of thinking. By completing a Tough Mudder event you’ll unlock a true sense of accomplishment. Of course you’ll have a great time too but importantly you’ll walk away with a camaraderie with fellow participants that many would say is a privilege.

Each course has its own surprises - unique challenges engineered to test every body shape and fitness level. A challenge to one might feel like a gentle stroll for another so come prepared to face your fears—whether that’s heights, long distances, electric shocks or swimming through ice-pools – Tough Mudder has it all. But are you brave enough?

Tough Mudder is open to anyone, of any age, who wants to see just how far they can push themselves physically and mentally. But you won’t be on your own.

Tough Mudder is a ‘we’re all in it together’ experience.

This overwhelming conviction to ‘succeed as one’ is the spirit that pulls you over the 12ft wall and pushes you through underground mud tunnels. And in the mud identity is lost. And that’s why Tough Mudders are team players.

No one gets left behind.

As you might expect every Tough Mudder has a sense

62

Obstacle Race | Race Directors’ Special

of humour – the ability to laugh in the face of adversity.

And let’s be honest, it’s pretty hard to take yourself seriously caked head-to-toe in mud. Having fun is an allimportant part of the course and it doesn’t stop at the finish line; waiting for all Tough Mudders is a pint and a party.

The Origins Tough Mudder was started in 2010 by Will Dean and Guy Livingstone. After Will graduated from Harvard in 2009, armed with only a business plan and an old wreck of a Volkswagen, he began planning his first event.

The early days, although remembered fondly, were hard. Negotiating the obstacles of building a business from scratch presented their own unique brand of challenge. But with the support of an office, two employees and a few interns, Dean pushed on and spent 2010 driving around seeking out new venues to nurture and grow the business.

Since then Tough Mudder has hosted over a million participants. And growth is accelerating – with 700,000 taking part in 2013 alone. The astonishing interest in Tough Mudder has been met with a year-on-year increase in the number of events around the world leaping from 35 in 2012 to 53 in 2013. With a packed calendar of over 60 events this year, and lots of new obstacle to be unveiled throughout season, it looks like it’s going to be a very muddy 2014.

TOUGH MUDDER

2014 EVENTS CALENDAR LONDON WEST 26 & 27 APR, 2014 CULDEN FAW OAKENGROVE COTTAGE, FAWLEY, HENLEY ON THAMES RG9 3AP SCOTLAND 14 & 15 JUN, 2014 DALKEITH COUNTRY ESTATE DALKEITH, MIDLOTHIAN, EH22 2NA MIDLANDS 12 & 13 JUL, 2014 BOUGHTON HOUSE KETTERING, NORTHAMPTONSHIRE, NN14 1BJ YORKSHIRE 2 & 3 AUG, 2014 BROUGHTON HALL THE ESTATE OFFICE, BROUGHTON HALL SKIPTON, YORKSHIRE BD23 3AE SOUTH WEST 16 & 17 AUG, 2014 CIRENCESTER PARK CIRENCESTER, GLOUCESTERSHIRE GL7 6LU NORTH WEST 13 & 14 SEP, 2014 CHOLMONDELEY ESTATE THE ESTATE OFFICE, CHOLMONDELEY MALPAS, CHESHIRE SY14 8EZ DUBLIN 4 & 5 OCT, 2014 PUNCHESTOWN RACECOURSE NAAS, CO. KILDARE, IRELAND LONDON SOUTH 25 & 26 OCT, 2014 MATTERLEY BOWL MATTERLEY ESTATE, TEMPLE VALLEY, ALRESFORD ROAD, WINCHESTER, HAMPSHIRE SO21 1HW

Race Directors’ Special | Obstacle Race

63

ULTIMATE ADVENTURES The Suffering is like turning the dial up to 11 We’ve taken influence from Fell Running, Obstacle Course Races and Boot Camps to form a challenge like no other.

The obstacles and Reaper challenges have increased.

Don’t expect to breeze around this course… that will not happen!

Don’t believe us…

Mudstacle say our race is “A Genuinely Tough Challenge” Muddy Races say “This is an absolutely corking, hardcore muddy race which I’m proud to have completed.”

Our courses have been designed to challenge you at every twist and turn, with hardcore obstacles and The Reaper Squad on hand to test your endurance, boot camp style, at every opportunity. The Suffering is a true test of your mettle that will leave a lasting mark on your memory.

Pain & Suffering Distance: Not less than 10 MIles Reaper Strength: 5+ skulls Obstacles: 35+

How much Suffering can you take?

The Suffering 5 Distance: Not less than 5km Reaper Strength: 2 skulls Obstacles: 15+ The Suffering 5 is our entry level course. This is not a 30 minute run around the picturesque grounds of Rockingham Castles Great Park. This is a taste of why William the Conqueror deemed this terrain worthy of a stronghold. You will have to endure tough terrain, challenging obstacles and if you can, complete the demands of our Reapers.

The Suffering Distance: Not less than 10km Reaper Strength: 4 skulls Obstacles: 25+ You may have survived the 5km. You may even have posted a better time than your mates but now you will have to Suffer a whole lot more. The course is tougher.

64

Obstacle Race | Race Directors’ Special

You think you’re fit and strong, you’ve put in the hours and you’re ready to step up to the Pain & Suffering. Heed our warning, train like you’ve never trained before, push yourself to your very limits. You will need a strong mind as well as a strong body. This is a challenge like no other... this is Pain & Suffering.

Completing any of The Suffering distances gives you a new level of achievement and enrols you into a brave new world, one where other races will pale into insignificance and our runners agree: Whether you are looking to dish out the pain as a Reaper or feel the pain as a runner then Pain & Suffering is the one for you – I have done both and ran other obstacle races and have to say this is on another level of hurt – the weak need not apply! What a rush!

Mark Pittam Awful… Painful… Fan-bloody-tastic Amy Blake Pain like I have never felt before, suffering that I never thought possible, but I completed it and it felt awesome!

The most gruelling course I have ever competed in!

Richard Mccracken Do you have what it takes to survive The Suffering?

ULTIMATE ADVENTURES

THE SUFFERING OBSTACLE RACE SERIES 5K, 10K AND 10+ MILE OBSTACLE RACE COURSES JUNE 28/29TH AND NOVEMBER 8/9TH 2014 FOR MORE INFORMATION VISIT OUR WEBSITE WWW.THESUFFERINGRACE.CO.UK Race Directors’ Special | Obstacle Race

65

ULTM8 WARRIOR Obstacle Course Challenges for Juniors “I developed a passion for coaching youngsters in a number of Sports at age 15 and developed my skills at Bournemouth University studying Sport Psychology and Coaching Sciences. As part of a work placement I spent two OCR seasons with Spartan Race as an event organizer. I helped build and organize over 20 adult and junior challenges as well as set up and direct the 2012 Scotland event. After graduating with a 2:1 degree, I set my sights on creating a company utilising my coaching and event organizing experiences.”

Ultm8 Warrior is the first company in the UK to specialize in Junior Obstacle Course Challenges (JOCC’s).

Ultm8 Warrior provides JOCCs to children aged 5 to 15yrs; as Junior Challenges, Warrior Series & Ultm8 Warrior Challenge events. Ultm8 Warrior’s mission is to provide fun, challenging outdoor activities that is accessible to all children, regardless of age, gender or athletic ability Junior Challenges are available at major OCC events such as The Monster Race and The Nuts Challenge.

A typical Junior Challenge will involve a 1Km course with over 15 Warrior themed obstacles; youngsters will have the option of running the course once or twice.

Junior Challenges will be held at the following Obstacle Course Races in 2014: The Ram Run… Beat The Bog… Gladi8or… Pandemonium… The Nuts Challenge… One True Grit… & The Monster Race.

The Warrior Series is an after school club that is run once a week, usually for a period of 6 weeks. The aim of the Warrior Series is to develop the Fundamentals of movement (Agility, Balance & Coordination). The Series also acts as a fun introduction to endurance sports; with a “Start to Finish” sport there is no standing around or being left out. Sessions consist of warrior games, a run through of the Ultm8 Warrior obstacle course and are themed on various warrior tribes such as Ninjas, Zulus and Vikings.

66

Obstacle Race | Race Directors’ Special

Each child receives warrior stickers, a certificate and an Ultm8 Warrior T-shirt once they’ve completed the series!

Series are held at Schools around the Hertfordshire area and are priced at around £30 per child.

Ultm8 Warrior Challenges are the largest JOCC’s in the UK. Held as County Championships at venues such as Cambridge & Reading RFC these events will see hundreds of little warriors take on 30+ obstacles over a 1, 2 or 3Km courses. After setting off on their journey, youngsters will encounter 8 “Warrior Zones” such as the Aztec, Zulu & Roman Zone. These will have appropriately themed obstacles such as carrying a Viking shield, shooting Aztec blow-pipes, Ninja star & Zulu spear throwing!

2014 Ultm8 Warrior Challenges include: Kent Ultm8 Warrior Sunday 1st June Vigo RFC, DA13 0UA Reading Ultm8 Warrior Saturday 28th June (TBC) Reading RFC, RG4 6ST Cambridge Ultm8 Warrior TBC Cambridge RFC, CB3 9ED Leicester Ultm8 Warrior Sunday 13th July Leicester Forest RFC, LE3 3JP Contact us: E-mail: ultm8.warrior@gmail.com Website: www.ultm8warrior.co.uk Facebook: www.facebook.com/ultm8warrior Twitter: @Ultm8_Warrior

ULTM8 WARRIOR

FOR MORE INFORMATION VISIT OUR WEBSITE WWW.ULTM8WARRIOR.CO.UK Race Directors’ Special | Obstacle Race

67

VIKING RACE “MANKIND KNOWS LITTLE”

In 1904, the biggest Viking-related archeological discovery to date was made. A more than thousand year old Viking tomb was opened and inside it laid The Oseberg Ship, which was used for a Viking burial in 834 AD. This discovery has led to more questions than answers: who were the two people buried, what symbolism lies behind the five dragon heads discovered, and what did our ancestors try to tell us with the only inscription found in the grave – “mankind knows little”?

“Mankind knows little” is also the premise behind Viking Race – Norway’s biggest obstacle race.

Participants do not know what obstacles to expect in advance or what order they may appear in. Even the course map of the trail is kept secret. However, after finishing a Viking Race, mankind will know more.

Viking Race is a Viking age and Norse mythology inspired obstacle course race held in the rugged forests of Norway where the Vikings roamed a thousand years ago. In addition to standard OCR obstacles such as wall traverse and rope climbs, Viking Race features Norse obstacles such as 4 meter high Troll Bars, Einherjar & Valkyries, Loki’s Net, and more! For an authentic Viking theme we collaborate with the University of Oslo’s Viking Ship Museum who provides swords and shields in the race village that people can try.

Viking Race also supports the international children’s charity Right to Play (www.righttoplay.com). Right To Play’s

68

Obstacle Race | Race Directors’ Special

mission is to use sport and play to educate and empower children and youth to overcome the effects of poverty, conflict, and disease in disadvantaged communities. The Viking Race organization will seek to raise money to support Right To Play’s important work with children.

Distances: Viking Race Miðgarðr (5 kilometers) Viking Race Ásgarðr (10 kilometers) Viking Race Jǫtunheimr (21 kilometers) (no 2014 date or venue set yet) Locations: Helgelandsmoen, Norway, May 2014 - Viking Race Miðgarðr Oslo, Norway, August 23rd, 2014 - Viking Race Miðgarðr Oslo, Norway, August 24th, 2014 - Viking Race Ásgarðr Pricing: Viking Race Miðgarðr: Early bird: £48 Viking Race Ásgarðr: Early bird: £68 Contact: www.vikingrace.no www.facebook.com/vikingrace info@vikingrace.no

VIKING RACE

FOR MORE INFORMATION VISIT OUR WEBSITE WWW.VIKINGRACE.NO Race Directors’ Special | Obstacle Race

69

WARRIOR RUN Challenge yourself. Be part of the South Coast’s toughest run.

30th March 2014 – Earlybird tickets just £40 Earlybird tickets are now available for the next Warrior Run, the up-to-18k cross country obstacle event based just outside of Brighton. With over 30 obstacles per 6k lap, you’ll be crawling through nets, climbing walls, smashing through swamps, throwing yourself over dirt mounds, hauling logs and tyres, making your way through webs and tunnels and splashing through the ditches and streams that make up the course.

Whether you’re a professional runner just looking for something a bit different (there’s a paved section of the course so road runners don’t feel left out!), a unique gift for someone who loves a challenge, a group of friends looking for a different, fun day out or you’re just wanting to test yourself – Warrior Run can accommodate you.

Starting out in event running? Take the one lap, 6k route. Want to go a little harder? Why not take the two lap, 12k option. Fancy yourself a real warrior?

Run the course three times and congratulate yourself on the knowledge you’ve just crashed through 18k of the toughest obstacles you’ll encounter on a cross country event anywhere in the country.

With a great group warm-up before the event, music pumping throughout the course to keep motivation levels high and excellent facilities at the event village including beer tents, entertainment and lots of food, the event has a

70

Obstacle Race | Race Directors’ Special

festival-like atmosphere. Spectators have free reign of the course to cheer you on, so bring a car full!

Being conscious of making sure our event doesn’t impact the environment in a negative way, we encourage you to car-share on the day. If there are four or more of you in a car, you’ll be rewarded with free parking. Going it alone? There’s still space for you! There will be a £5 parking fee, which we donate 100% of to our chosen charity.

Earlybird tickets are just £40 and include: Entry to either the 6k, 12k or 18k runs Use of electronic chip to accurately time your run A finisher’s medal A Warrior Run t-shirt Refreshments A unique experience!

To buy a ticket for you or as a gift, visit www.warrior-run. co.uk or call 01273 834403. Warrior Run is hosted at Qleisure, London Road, Albourne, West Sussex, BN6 9BQ – www.qleisure.co.uk.

Warrior Run takes the beautiful natural landscape of the Sussex countryside and utilises it to the max. Being at the foot of the South Downs, you can expect hills, water and lots of mud.

It’s never been more fun to get dirty.

Take the challenge. Be a warrior.

WARRIOR RUN

TO BUY A TICKET FOR YOU OR AS A GIFT, VISIT WWW.WARRIOR-RUN.CO.UK Race Directors’ Special | Obstacle Race

71

WETHERBY PEOPLE CHASE Matt Woods Boot Camps are pleased to announce the first running of the Wetherby People Chase. Ideally located just off the A1(M) it will make the most of the great facilities available at Wetherby Race Course and the superb terrain surrounding it.

Unique Event Features No obstacle queues - Each obstacle is designed to avoid congestion and queues, allowing participants to achieve a true personal best for the distance.

Great Course Views for Spectators - approximately one third of the course is viewable from the start/finish area Family friendly facilities including separate children’s races, food and drink catering, full toilet and shower facilities.

Competitive inter group competition with individual and average times for each group taking part.

Great Access and Parking - Easy access next to the A1(M) and convenient parking at a venue used to hosting large events.

72

Obstacle Race | Race Directors’ Special

The Event A Challenging Mud Run and Obstacle Course over 10k or 5k set on the Race Course and surrounding area at Wetherby. One of the fastest runs of its type, without bottlenecks at the obstacles, that challenges physical and mental strength and stamina.

Parking is just inside the racecourse entrance with a short walk to the Start/Finish area. Initially the course runs just inside the race track with a number of obstacles easily viewable from the spectator areas. It then sweeps away into woodland, across fields and through marshes where all the obstacles are designed to avoid queues.

Food and drink facilities are available for competitors and spectators with showers for competitors after the event and all the other facilities you would expect at an event at Wetherby Race Course. We even have proper toilets!

There are two special events for children; a half mile event for children aged 6-10 (Juvenile Stakes and a 1 mile event for youngsters aged 11-16.

Contact Information Website: www.wetherbypeoplechase.co.uk Email: info@wetherbypeoplechase.co.uk Telephone: (01937) 588901 (m)(07710) 522203

WETHERBY PEOPLE CHASE

FOR MORE INFORMATION VISIT WWW.WETHERBYPEOPLECHASE.CO.UK Race Directors’ Special | Obstacle Race

73

WHOLE HOG Squeal Like a Pig… It’s time to go the WHOLE HOG!!!

19th October 2014 – Wantisden Hall, (near Woodbridge) Suffolk.

Now in its 6th year this gem of a course has around 7 gruelling miles of mud, rivers, bogs, obstacles and most of all, bags of fun. The coldest water, the muddiest bogs and the toughest challenge you’ll take on in 2014!

The event is organised by 8.2 (JCB Mud Run and the Dig Deep series) and promises bigger and better obstacles in 2014. The entry limit is a strict 1200 with an individual’s race in the morning (for all those who want to put in a fast time) and a team race in the afternoon (for those who like their mud well stirred up). The great news is that queue times at obstacles are minimal due to the entry limits applied by 8.2.

Each wave will have a strict limit of 550 people so please book early! We do recommend that the speedy runners enter the individual races as the course will be well muddied up by the time the teams set off. The Whole Hog is specifically designed for teams made up of three people and team categories consist of All Male, All Female and Mixed in both senior and veteran categories (note a veteran team is one where the combined age of the team is 120+); prizes will be awarded in each category as will prizes for the individuals races.

Entry fee includes free t-shirt and timing. Prizes for top 3 in all categories.

The race facilities are excellent with onsite parking, Hog Roast, hot food, bar and local bands playing throughout the event.

Event web site www.wholehograces.co.uk Come along and get down and dirty!

74

Obstacle Race | Race Directors’ Special

WHOLE HOG

FOR MORE INFORMATION VISIT WWW.WHOLEHOGRACES.CO.UK Race Directors’ Special | Obstacle Race

75

HAVE YOU GOT AN AWESOME PICTURE YOU WANT TO SHARE? To get your picture on to our mudtrest wall send it to letters@obstacleracemagazine.com with your name and a description.

76

Obstacle Race | Race Directors’ Special

Race Directors’ Special | Obstacle Race

77

78

Obstacle Race | Race Directors’ Special

To get your picture on to our mudtrest wall send it to letters@obstacleracemagazine.com with your name and a description.

Race Directors’ Special | Obstacle Race

79

WILD FOREST GYM Building… Nurturing… Creating… aspiring elite & aspiring OCR athletes and racers.

Head Coach Michael Cohen is at the forefront of Obstacle Race Training with his Wild Forest Gym all-weather and all-terrain obstacle race training.

Coach Michael takes his OCR trainees and OCR TEAM athletes out of the gym and into the terrains and environment of the forest, which simulate OCR race conditions.

Not only is this more realistic training but Coach Michael says, “My trainees and athletes need to: experience, touch, feel, hear, see and most importantly learn how to interact with the natural terrains that they race in. I can assure you now, I am not looking to create a bunch of tree huggers, instead I am looking to develop them in such a way that racing out in the wilds is as familiar to them as it is to a cheetah prowling over the savannah.”

Coach Michael goes on to say “OCR racing is all about the unknown and unknowable aspect to racing.

What I mean is, you do not know what is around the corner, until it is they are right in front of you. Bravado and brute force is one thing, but it can’t replace skill & technique.”

His training philosophy is not just about strength, power and speed, but about teaching his TEAM athletes

80

Obstacle Race | Race Directors’ Special

& trainees about their body. It is about developing some of the core skills to optimise their functionality such as: stability and agility skills; gravity and counter-balance skills; posture and form; connectivity; and flow and communication.

Coach Michael’s training ethos is as much about training the mind, emotions and the spirit of the athlete or trainee, just as much as the physical. He takes them right back to the basics of posture and flow, instilling good solid foundations and then progressive steps thereon to develop the full and complete athlete as does his aspiring TEAM prodigies Thomas Blanc the 2013 UK Spartan Race Champion and Caine Johnson, who at 16-years-old is already on the podium at The Nuts Challenge, and has a 5k PB of 16mins…phew!

Coach Michael is a certified coach of the renowned institution for natural movement, MovNat. A core element of his training is based around Functional Natural Movement, which sees him finding the panther, monkey or cheetah inside his athletes to develop their core skills of: Locomotion - natural running, climbing, jumping, crawling and balancing.

Manipulation - throwing, catching, lifting and carrying.

Safety – falls, rolls, landing, recovery and orienteering.

So, are you ready to find the animal inside you?

WILD FOREST GYM

TO FIND OUT MORE ABOUT WILD FOREST GYM & TEAM WILD FOREST GYM VISIT WWW.WILDFORESTGYM.COM OR TELEPHONE 0845 4561336 Race Directors’ Special | Obstacle Race

81

YOUR LETTERS sponsored by nuclear races

Dear Obstacle Race Magazine Be a volunteer or even a Zombie..

Thank you for such a brilliant first issue. I wanted to put pen to paper but realised that nobody does that anymore and so decided to send you an email…

I had never done an obstacle race before but my boyfriend has and last year as an act of love (or because we are saving for a house and I couldn’t go shopping) I decided to show him my support by going to watch him get dirty, battered and bruised for fun. When I arrived at the race, I realised that I should have paid him more attention because it turned out to be a Zombie Race and guess what? My fella had enlisted me to be a Zombie for the day!

Knowing me well, I couldn’t wait to become un-dead (had I known in advance, I simply would have gone unchanged from how I look in the morning before slap is applied) and the good folk at ZOMBIE EVACUATION had a full range of costumes, make up artistes and even provided the tortured volunteer souls with a pack lunch. I would even go so far as to say that they treated us better than their customers who they put through OCR hell. We had a safety talk and a half hour warm up session before being escorted to our positions – where we then began chasing racers to try and infect them and bite them.

OCR races rely on volunteers to ensure safety, marshalling and can be as much fun as taking part yourself. This letter was simply to say that if you are injured or the widow of an OCR fanatic, you don’t have to beat them or join them – just go along and volunteer instead. It gets you off the sofa and is a great way to waste a day without the aches, pain and mud…

Muddy Marvellous Anne Moss.

82

Obstacle Race | Race Directors’ Special

SEND US YOUR LETTERS! We’ve had so many fantastic letters sent to us that it was so hard to choose the ones that got on to the page. We actually had to resort to picking the letters out of a hat to decide.

If you would like to get a letter on to this page then please send 100 words and a picture of you in action to letters@obstacleracemagazine.com

This magazine has been an absolute insight to the world of obstacle racing! Myself and my friend entered into the Rat Race at Burghley this year as a challenge but have found ourselves looking at entering more and more obstacle races around the country. We are due to take part in our first one next weekend (Chase the Yeti Avalanche Run). And it’s safe to say your review on the fell trainers helped us decide between the innov8 brand and the Salomon brand, we choose the innov8 mudclaws and have tested them in the most extreme muddy conditions and loved them!

Many thanks for all the help and look forward to the next issue, as the first issue is getting a bit tatty now from over reading during lunch breaks at work!

Kind regards Dale Falkner

Hi ORM! I recently got into obstacle racing by signing up to run this year’s Tough Guy for the Teenage Cancer Trust! I’ve now run a Lactic Fallout (33rd out of over 800) and a Brutal10 on the 28th Dec (15th in Mens’). It’s been a crazy ride of training, fundraising and generally being scared of the upcoming event. Here are some pictures of me training, oh, and here’s a link to my fundraising page! Including online and offline donations I’ve raised near to £700.

Thanks, happy racing!

Joseph Page mydonate.bt.com/fundraisers/josephpage1

Hi guys, I am new to these obstacle races and did my first Tough Mudder in Yorkshire last September. A great sense of achievement and meeting and helping others. I’ve got the bug now and booked and looking forward to two more Mudder races this year. The photo attached is from the completion of the race last year with two work collegues and one adopted friend who we met during the race - I’m the one on the left!

Martin.

Race Directors’ Special | Obstacle Race

83

THE BIRTH OF TOXIC TEN

By James Smith

ORM SAYS: What you’re about to read is the first installment of a journey that we’re going to be following over the next few months. This journey is one of a person who had decided to bring a new event to the obstacle racing scene. So what better issue to start this journey in than one dedicated to the races on offer in the United Kingdom. Each issue you’ll get a peek behind the curtain of what it takes to put on a race.

The explosion in popularity of Obstacle Racing over the past couple of years has not gone unnoticed by two office bound creatures called James and Stuart who have more energy and enthusiasm than common sense. Having attended a number of races, they believe that they can organise an event that will provide a challenge for even likes of Jonathan Albon, while not forgetting the mass market who fear entering this field due to the mystique of the obstacles.

After years of illness Stuart was diagnosed as coeliac which, after following a strict gluten free diet, allowed him to train and challenge himself once again. Having entered a number of trail runs, triathlons and obstacle races, it was the latter that gave him the adrenalin buzz and feeling of being alive again at the age of 40 (something) that working did not give.

James is a keen runner and has been known to run off without the team to help him over walls, but he seems to meet handy people along the race course, and also plays in a Dodgeball league in his spare time.

Both of us work in the same office. We formed a running club for the company although laps along the Thames became so boring they set out to cajole and persuade their colleagues to join them at Nuts, Tough Mudder and Survival of the Fittest. Whilst many were sceptical of participating, all of those who did were hooked. It’s is this level of participation they are looking to harness. Both of Stuart’s young children (11 and 7) enjoy attending the events and desperately want to be able join in and compete as soon as they are old enough.

The majority of the obstacle races are based around military basic training. Whilst this has helped develop the industry, it doesn’t allow it to reach its full capacity. As Sun

Tsu shows in ‘The Art of War,’ strategy and tactics are as vital in success as pure physical strength. Toxic Ten aims to be different by combining the challenge of physical exertion with the requirement of making the correct tactical and strategical decisions to win.

We aim to add a twist to the obstacle race with an element of brain vs. brawn; can you make the right decision in a split second and make up precious time?

Sometimes the shortest route or the quickest decisions are not the best. Also, because of family we feel there should be events different family members can be involved in.

We have formed Toxic Ten as a company; Toxic Ten refers to the first ten minutes of exercise where the body is warming up and crying out to stop. Whilst we want the combination of strategy and physical endurance, we still want to push people to their limits.

We have plenty of challenges ahead having not done anything like this before, but our (lack of) sense and endless energy will get us to race day. We hope to partner with other up and coming firms, runners, and fanatics all in the pursuit of making more people enjoy a challenge.

We are aiming for our first race to take place in September/October 2014, with a major event planned to take place in the summer of 2015. This will combine all of our ideas and energy into one weekend of the ultimate challenges, pushing all abilities to breaking point both mentally and physically. A tight deadline with a lot of obstacles to go through, we have nearly finalised a site for our September race. Oh, and now we need to build our obstacles...

Whilst we build the course we want to think along the lines of Charles Darwin; ‘It is not the strongest of the species that survives, nor the most intelligent that survives.

It is the one that is most adaptable to change.’

Unashamedly looking to escape the corporate world and do something fun, we are keen to gather input from the OR community about what they like and dislike about the races they’ve entered. To get in touch with us please email: toxic.races@gmail.com With your feedback and input over the coming months you can help us to build the best race course in the world!

IF YOU HAVE ANY SURGESTIONS OR ADVICE FOR THE GUYS AT TOXIC RACES THEN PLEASE CONTACT THEM AT TOXIC.RACES@GMAIL.COM 84

Obstacle Race | Race Directors’ Special

OCR FOR FUN? OCR FOR FITNESS? OCR FOR FILTH? WHATEVER THE F YOU DO IT FOR WE’VE GOT THE OCR SCENE COVERED TRAINING TIPS, NUTRITION, TECHNIQUES, KIT, EVENTS, DATES, COMMUNITY, REVIEWS, NEWS AND SHOES VISIT WWW.OBSTACLERACEMAGAZINE.COM

FIND US ON

WITCHES REVENGE Sometimes OCRing isn’t just about the mud, and finding dirt in places it should never be a week after you crossed the finish line. Stomping city landscapes can be just as much of a test and The Witches’ Revenge 10km Obstacle Challenge takes you on a scenic (not that you will have the time or energy to look) tour of the parks and urban landscapes in the beautiful Northern city of Lancaster.

Under the ominous and ever present view of Lancaster Castle, site of the infamous Pendle Witch trials, the route will see entrants climb, crawl, swing, jump, carry, bounce and even shoot their way around a flat but far from fast urban obstacle challenge. The route pounds the pavements and open spaces alongside the River Lune, the local fire service are on hand at our lengthy skip dip to ensure the river water makes it onto the course to cool you down (along with a potential soaking from their hoses).

Supported by the City Council and backed by a team of local sponsors this really is an event that welcomes outsiders with open arms. It is family run, but don’t think that will reflect on the quality of the race, the organisers have been OCRing as a couple for a long time and have used the urban landscape to good effect to create a course to ensure you value for money. There are plenty of OCR standards to challenge you, but as the race aims to put a smile on your face as much as a burn in your legs, the paintball shooting station and 60 foot inflatable should have you grinning from ear to sweaty ear when you cross the line. If you’re thinking of saving some energy for a sprint finish then think again as the sack race style ending should add a nostalgic primary sports day touch to your day out.

They may not be the biggest dog out there but as many dog owners know, the terrier can nip at your heels and fight just as hard as any bulldog.

And because not all entrants are racing snakes, the organisers have a unique ‘Beat the Witch’ competition with the opportunity to be entered into a raffle for a free place in the following years’ event if you beat the allocated ‘Witch’ in your wave.

The race starts and ends at Salt Ayre Leisure Centre in Lancaster, is chip timed and each finisher receives a decent local beer and quality bespoke medal. Prices start at £30 and entry is online at www.getoutandtrain.co.uk.

Showers and toilets are available onsite and parking is free. The race supports the Firefighters Charity and St John’s Hospice but runners are of course encouraged to run for any charity they choose.

86

Obstacle Race | Race Directors’ Special

WITCHES REVENGE

TO FIND OUT MORE AND ENTER VISIT WWW.GETOUTANDTRAIN.CO.UK Race Directors’ Special | Obstacle Race

87

WOLF RUN The Wolf Run is a unique 10k challenge with some of the best natural and man-made obstacles around. The original concept of Wild Running aims to recreate the feeling of running in untouched terrain, allowing people to experience natural, raw conditions as far as possible. This concept is blended with superb organisation, quality entertainment and is topped off with a relaxed yet wildly infectious atmosphere!

Wolf Run courses are a unique mix of great running trails across open ground and through ancient woodland.

The combinations of lake swims, mud pits, fallen trees, swamps, hills, and dense foliage makes for a more organic experience. This event takes you back to a primal, instinctive way of running.

Spread throughout the rugged terrain lie impressive man-made obstacles that break up your rhythm, test your nerve and heighten your senses. Obstacle design is overseen by a fitness professional with a Masters in Sports Science and years of experience in functional fitness training. This ensures that your entire body is challenged, providing an excellent all-body workout that will leave you fitter, stronger and more confident.

The Wolf Run is not a race; it’s a physical and mental challenge that every Wolf Runner tackles in their own way, whether it’s running in a pack or as the classic lone wolf!

The camaraderie and team spirit are an essential part of the Wolf Run and the vibe during the event and after party make for a fantastic occasion.

Wolf Runners will be greeted by hundreds of spectators as they cross the line and receive their bespoke technical t-shirt (new design at each event) and goody bag.

The Wolf Run team pride themselves on delivering one of the best events in the UK; with over 26000 runners taking on the Spring, Summer, Autumn and Winter events it’s one not to be missed. Become a WOLF RUNNER...

88

Obstacle Race | Race Directors’ Special

WOLF RUN

2014 EVENT DATES APRIL 26TH & 27TH (Warwickshire) SOLD OUT JUNE 14TH & 15TH (Leicestershire) SEPTEMBER 6TH & 7TH (Warwickshire) NOVEMBER 1ST & 2ND (Leicestershire) TO FIND OUT MORE AND ENTER VISIT WWW.THEWOLFRUN.COM JOIN US ON FACEBOOK & TWITTER @THEWOLFRUN Race Directors’ Special | Obstacle Race

89

XTREME RUNNING An OCR by Xtreme Running with a difference. It’s designed by our team of experienced runners to use what no others do – the SEA, BEACH and MARSH LAND. That’s not all. You’ll be tested on plenty of other man made obstacles. For example, is your upper body strength up to our 26 foot Monkey Bars? Or do you have a fear of heights or water? Well just wait until you try our balance beams over the sea.

Then there’s your distance to consider. For the small cost of £26.50 (including all booking charges) you can decide whether to complete 6k,12K or even18K if you’re up to it. You can even decide during the race to run a further or lesser distance dependant on how you feel.

To complete an Xtreme Beach race you’ll tackle a series of tough obstacles and most of you will need teammates to give you a boost and a push. We recommend all Xtreme Runners run in teams but so far all our races have brought out the best in people and it is great to see our Xtreme Runners who make sure no one gets left behind and, guess what, they’re enjoying every minute!

Don’t take our word for it. Here are comments from just one or two of our loyal runners: Andre Tisi – “I really enjoyed the day and defo will be back 6th April. I will sign up this week. I will also rally a small team together from my gym and friends.”

Daniel Williams – “I loved the event, me and more of my friends will do the next one. I have been involved in running events and it’s a thankless task so thank you and please do more.”

John Dickens – “Great team – lovely friendly Marshalls who helped you along the course, nice helpful people at registration – your team made us all feel welcome and were genuinely interested in putting on a good event. I loved the event – just ordinary runners trying to push themselves – everyone I ran with were friendly and enjoying the day.”

90

Obstacle Race | Race Directors’ Special

XTREME RUNNING

SO DON’T MISS OUT GET YOURSELF READY FOR XTREME BEACH ON THE 6TH OF APRIL AND BOOK UP NOW AT WWW.XTREMERUNNING.CO.UK Race Directors’ Special | Obstacle Race

91

XTREME STORM XtremeSTORM is back for 2014 The wait is over. XtremeSTORM, the UK’s toughest urban endurance test is back for 2014. Set across the UNESCO World Heritage Maritime Mercantile City, the mighty assault course will begin at Liverpool’s waterfront before moving north at lightning speed to the never-ending desolate and haunting arches of docks and warehouses where you will enter into a corroding past world of fear and abandon.

Grisly scenes await to transport you back through history to the unforgiving docklands for an amazing, once in a lifetime, wharfside adventure. The spectacular international metropolitan clash will also mark 100 years since the area played such a major role in World War One. Massive expanses of the XtremeSTORM course are rotting, treacherous and decayed after being abandoned and locked away from the public for many years. Willow herb flourishes as freely as it did on the bombed sites after the war and the mysterious granite vaults and eerie deep channels of water quietly endure with a majesty that has enticed local curiosity for decades.

Now is the time for change as Peels Development’s Liverpool Waters visionary scheme will see the desolate docklands become one side of the ocean gateway North West. The 5.5 billion redevelopment scheme that recently received final planning go ahead, will create an international waterside destination to rival cities such as Dubai, Vancouver, New York and Shanghai.

The global spotlight will also be shining brightly on the city next year as hosts of the International Festival of Business with over 250,000 visitors expected for the ground breaking two month programme of events.

To celebrate this, the breathtaking 18 kilometre course of carnage with 33 death-defying obstacles, designed and engineered by UK ex-forces, will be unveiled during the festival to officially kick off the start of the three month military style build. The event will also be a magnificent experience for lucky spectators and will transform the

92

Obstacle Race | Race Directors’ Special

area into a bestial battlefield that will stop the entire city in its tracks.

Make no mistake, XtremeSTORM 2014 is for the next generation of obstacle competitors who understand the sheer fortitude of the mighty dockers. Like the docklands, you will be knocked down again and again but the test will reveal whether you can rise again to finish what you started.

Forget about mud and ice on a far flung country estate, this fight to the end requires salt of the earth inner reserves and will test your very limits as Liverpool, the rest of the UK and a global television audience of more than one billion look on. For just one day only, can you survive the Xtreme obstacles that resemble the sheer daily grind and backbreaking fight to work for our ancestors?

Experience the foreboding feelings of our brave forefathers as you pile into the ‘call on’ pen waiting for the ultimate test of your life. It will hit you hard and fast. Lively, grimy, harrowing, the echoes of screams and rattling chains will haunt you as you tackle obstacles including Pneumonia Alley whilst Docker’s Dread and Asbestos Unload silently stalk you in the shadows.

Dig deep and fight back as you tackle the looming Stanley Dock Tobacco warehouse towers. Once the largest brick building in Europe and built in 1901, she will welcome you with 14 floors of rusting and twisted rapture, 8000 tons of steel and more terrifying challenges in another attempt to break your spirit.

You know your limits, so choose from three brave distances at registration but one rule remains; no-man gets left behind and an attack on one is an attack on all. Lone warriors are already training hard and teams are building across the world from 35 countries so far.

If you make it to the clearing house, your payment will be elation, exhaustion and pride. Make your mark. Earn your very own place in a special piece of history for this illustrious area that refuses to be kept down.

XTREME STORM

TO SECURE YOUR PLACE LOG ON TO WWW.XTREMESTORM.COM Race Directors’ Special | Obstacle Race

93

WE NEED YOUR VOTE WE’RE EXCITED TO ANNOUNCE THAT WE’VE MADE IT INTO THE SHORT LIST FOR THE CATEGORY OF BEST MAGAZINE AT THE RUNNING AWARDS. IF YOU FEEL LIKE WE DESERVE THIS THEN WE NEED JUST A MOMENT OF YOUR TIME FOR YOU TO PLACE A VOTE FOR US AT THERUNNINGAWARDS.COM

94

Obstacle Race | Race Directors’ Special

OBSTACLE RACE MAGAZINE DELIVERED STRAIGHT TO YOUR DOOR 6 ISSUES FOR THE PRICE OF 5

WHEN YOU SUBSCRIBE ON LINE

VISIT WWW.OBSTACLERACEMAGAZINE.COM FIND US ON

Race Directors’ Special | Obstacle Race

95

ZOMBIE EVACUATION The Zombie Evacuation Race is only make-believe, but the organisers of one Britain’s most popular Zombie events are deadly serious when they warn you that a lethal Zombie virus is now sweeping the country.

On arrival at your race venues, a (spoof) Sergeant Major from the fictional crack British Army group RAZOR (that stands for the Royal Armoured Zombie Outbreak Response unit) informs all racers that the country is in a state of lockdown due to the deadly virus.

Racers are told that to reach safety they will have to be extracted from an evacuation point five kilometres away.

Making their way across fields, through shady woods and over rivers, competitors have to tackle obstacles along the way and reach safety without losing the three fluorescent, Velcro “tags” on their running belt. If a Zombie catches you and pulls one off, you lose a life and risk a mauling

by The Undead.

The bad news is that crazed, flesh-eating, bloodcurdling Zombies lie hidden along the way… in the undergrowth, behind trees, sometimes camouflaged. They can leap into action at any time. You have been warned.

To take part in the cross-country 5-kilometer race, you can enrol as an evacuee (a runner) or as a Zombie (a chaser) and join in all the fun – and the terror – of dressing up, wearing make-up, and sharing a hilarious day with your friends. The experience of being chased by bug-eyed Zombies, oozing fake blood, lurching about, moaning and groaning, and uttering haunting screams, is terrifying for some; other racers sprint round the course

96

Obstacle Race | Race Directors’ Special

convulsed with laughter.

Obstacles along the course are kept top secret in advance in order to make runners as anxious as possible, but racers may encounter dark abandoned buildings, belching smoke and “corpses” in a Zombie hospital. There may also be “minefields” to get through (mines are laid to catch Zombies) and Zombies are also highly skilled in the art of concealment, hiding in bushes and other unexpected lairs, then leaping out unexpectedly to ambush racers.

Everyone receives a dog-tag medal on race day.

Reach the safety of the finish line without being caught by a lurching Zombie and you’ll be declared a brave “Survivor” and you’ll receive your medal with the word “Survivor” engraved on it. Or if you’re unfortunate enough to have been caught by a Zombie, your medal reads: “Infected”. But there’s no shame in that, only pride at having taken part.

Now booming in popularity, Zombie races are proving a huge hit with keep-fit fans and Zombie lovers alike, providing a fresh - terrifying - challenge for runners across the UK, regardless of whether they are veterans of the obstacle course racing scene or are new to the fastest growing sport in the UK. The Zombie Evacuation Race series is staging two weekend events this October, on Saturday 18 October at Wimbish, between Cambridge and Essex, and on Saturday 25 October at Pippingford, East Sussex.

A final word of warning: the deadly Zombie plague is spreading like wildfire, so sign up before it’s too late.

ZOMBIE EVACUATION

FOR MORE INFORMATION VISIT WWW.ZOMBIEEVACUATION.COM Race Directors’ Special | Obstacle Race

97

OCR FOR FUN? OCR FOR FITNESS? OCR FOR FILTH? WHATEVER THE F YOU DO IT FOR WE’VE GOT THE OCR SCENE COVERED TRAINING TIPS, NUTRITION, TECHNIQUES, KIT, EVENTS, DATES, COMMUNITY, REVIEWS, NEWS AND SHOES VISIT WWW.OBSTACLERACEMAGAZINE.COM

FIND US ON

COMING NEXT ISSUE In the next issue we have something very special for you. Issue 2 will be a charity special that will be looking at the way races and racers take on the charity challenge. If you have a charity story you would like to share with the ORM readers or even just an awesome picture for the MUDtrest wall then please send it to letters@obstacleracemagazine.com Also there will be the next instalment of the Toxic Ten journey in to the OCR industry.

Tough Guys Race Review. And much more but we don’t want to spoil the surprise.

DON’T MISS OUR CHARITY ISSUE OUT 20TH MARCH

ONLY AVAILABLE IN WHSMITHS If you’re looking for the inspiration to push you towards your own goals then look no further than our next issue.

FIND AN OCR STOCKIST NEAR YOU:

CHA ISSU RITY E

WWW.OBSTACLERACEMAGAZINE.COM