Muddy Race’s Stephen Bowes took on the Men’s Health Survival of the Fittest in Manchester with OCR newbie Katie Russell. Here are their definitive 15 reasons why these Rat Race organised events are great for those that fancy dipping their toe into the world of obstacle racing.
1. Familiarity
The Men’s Health Survival Series take place in several major cities throughout the U.K. The venues include city centres and football stadiums. Finding the events is easy as you don’t have to go down tight country lanes that you would have to for a typical muddy race in the countryside.
2.Safety in numbers
Tens of thousands enter the series every year. You won’t feel like an outcast, no matter what you are wearing or your fitness ability. If you’re worried about what people think of you, forget it. On race day, we’re one big happy family.
3.Professionally organised
Rat Race are massive in the U.K. obstacle scene and coupled with the Men’s Health brand, there’s two fitness powerhouses that put on a great event.
4.It’s great fun
The smiles and laughter on faces of people paint a picture that even though you’ll sweat and have aching muscles, it will be the best couple of hours of exercise you’ll ever do.
5.Not a huge distance
“I can’t run 10km”. Why can’t you? Run, jog, walk, skip, do it your own way, but you can do it! Many have and many will.
6. No need to be nervous
There will be loads of first timers who are equally nervous. Taking on any OCR for the first time requires you to step out of your comfort zone, but there’s no greater thrill than crossing the finish line and getting a finisher’s medal and a well done from your co-runners.
7. Mike Smith
He’s the warm up guy. He’s the man who tells you the safety information. And he the bloke who will calm those pre-race nerves as he delivers his piece with fun, humour and smiles.
8. Relatively flat course
As Men’s Health Survival is an urban OCR, expect it to be reasonably flat. There will be small inclines, but you are not expected to climb fells and peaks unlike some field based events.
9.Overcome your fears
You say you’re not a runner or you don’t like water or you don’t like the cold or climbing walls. The excuses keep coming. Conquer them by starting and finishing the course. You’ll feel great and all your personal home and work worries will feel a million miles away. And remember, you’ll be getting fit with the exercise.
10. There’s plenty of help
OCR has an amazing family feel. Strangers will help you over a wall. They’ll tell you you’re doing great. Volunteers will clap you. You’ll feel like you have instantly made 1,000’s of new friends.
11. Scared of getting muddy?
Some OCR’s require you to wade in knee deep mud and crawl face first through horse manure. During a Men’s Health Survival race, you’ll experience some mud and water and cold but because it’s urban based, the terrain won’t give you that experience of carrying an extra stone in thick, sticky mud. Never the less, the course and conditions are testing so don’t expect it to be a fun run.
12. Achievement
You’ll burn calories. You’ll help people. You’ll do things you never thought you would ever do. Trust me, twice swimming in the Manchester Ship Canal and running around the Manchester City football pitch was a totally new experience for me and Katie.
13. Reward
It’s all about the finisher’s medal. The goodie bag and t shirt are great, but the medal says that ‘You did it’. Wear it with pride.
14. Have a pint with other finishers
The on-site bar allows you to exchange your experiences and stories with a well-deserved beer. It won’t be about who was first or last, but what was your favourite obstacle? How did it feel when you climbed over the Finisher’s Wall? You’ll be so proud to tell them.
15. Addiction
What a great hobby you could become addicted to. Do a few more OCRs and you will start to feel part of the community. You’ll get fitter and faster and have more agility. The confidence you’ll take from doing a Men’s Health Survival of the Fittest can be used to improve your life as a whole. Sign up for one. There are no negatives.
You can sign up for next year’s events now and save 10% with code MUDDYRACE10 or 15% for this year’s event in London with code MUDDYRACE15. Visit www.mhsurvival.co.uk