On the 10th/11th/12th October, the 6th Obstacle Course Race World Championships (O.C.R.W.C.) came to the UK at the grounds of Nuclear Races in Brentwood, Essex, with over 1730 participants qualified to compete (in the 3km and 15km races) from 60 different countries. The aim was to finish in the top 25 in my age category (50-55) as well as of course to keep the coveted wrist band, and for that required months of preparation in terms of training and nutrition alongside rehabilitation for a shoulder injury.
Friday 19th October saw the 3K event which was packed with about 25 obstacles including some technical obstacles such as low rigs with rings. Everything about preparing for this event was strategic, and unlike last year, I chose not to complete in this 3km ninja style event which relies on upper body strength and speed. I knew I needed to save my strength for the main event!
Saturday 11th October, event day for those who qualified at previous OCR events (for me Winter Nuts in March). 15KM with 76 obstacles within a 4 hour cut off, plenty of mud and water and extra support from friends and family. The main aim though, for most participants including myself, was to keep hold of the (wrist)band which you lose if you do not successfully complete an obstacle. In this case a participant becomes a DNC (Did Not Complete) There are re-try options to complete an obstacle available but this becomes increasingly difficult as your body fatigues.
The course was carnage and absolutely brutal due to poor weather conditions – wind rain and low temperatures. After 2 days of events everything was now very slippery wet and muddy - the run up, the wall, the rope, the rings... All participants are tired and completely soaked in wet mud with many water obstacles to add to the risk of low body temperatures. Participants were even being removed from the course with hypothermia.
The OCR World Championships offers a challenge unseen at well-known OCR events such as Tough Mudder. Less than 23% within my age group completed the 15K course successfully, and only 37% of all participants completed it to give just some idea of the scale of the challenge.
The friendship, atmosphere and encouragement were phenomenal as usual, especially with the conditions stacked against us! Everyone just comes together when the going gets tough and it is easy to make friends with like-minded people. The participants are inspiring humans who give 100% every day out on the course, with some doing all 4 events. With runners cheering on and motivating each other, alongside a large crowd of supporters, the atmosphere was incredible despite the rain and the mud!
I had to re-do 3 obstacles, Ninja Rings, a Force 5 low rig and Gibbons which I chicken-winged in the end to complete but left me with bruised shoulder, triceps & biceps but it was all worth it as it was towards the end. It was a very tough course, and mainly mind-set, grip strength, endurance, is worn down, slowly zapping energy away from your body. But with the right nutrition and training in the run up, a clear strategy and added energy boosters throughout the course, I made it past the last,obstacle.
All 76 obstacles were completed in 3hr 45minutes, I kept my (wrist) band, and finished 16th in my age category - mission accomplished!
On Sunday 12th I took on the 7km open with my daughter Sabrina (aged 14). This is great event which gives non-qualifiers a glimpse of the obstacles a qualified competitor faces, as the course takes them past tougher obstacles used or these are modified. Many obstacles could not be completed by the general public without specific training as the risk of injury without proper technique is huge.
We completed it all, Sabrina earned her OCR WC medal, which is a unique opportunity as next year the OCR World championships moves to Vermont. We had a great time on the course, plenty of laughs as well as challenges, with my wife Meera & younger daughter Olivia there to cheer us on. I was very proud and it was a truly great family day out (with plenty of mud!) I was so thankful that my children were there to witness and take part in the Championships and to capture and cherish some memorable moments.