Obstacle Course Racing or OCR is not just about the individual all the time. Many are hesitant to attend their first mud run, obstacle race, themed run or other event alone. One of the lesser-known aspects of OCR is the team-racing format. Team racing involves gathering a group of friends, other enthusiasts— or in one case with me, a group of other female racers I barely knew— to form a team.
How it Works
Each event is different, but most let the participant create a team of any size. Races like Reebok Spartan Race even give the largest team of the day tent space to store their stuff at some races. Times are normally averaged together for the team and sometimes awards are given out based on the team finish. Each participant runs their own race at their own pace and their time is factored into the whole team. This type of team racing is more social than competitive, and event organizers often give incentives to the larger teams in the form of entry discounts or gear.
Many times in this format, teams will make matching shirts or uniforms to denote their affiliation. Truly this form of racing can bring participants together and create a nurturing environment to grow in the sport. Also what better way to experience a race than with a fan club all around you cheering you on?
The other form of team racing is competitive. Normally these teams are made up of four participants of the same gender and the team result is typically the top three times added together for the team placing. This type of team racing is seen in the competitive or elite fields and cash or prizes might be on the line. Each racer runs his or her own race and their finish time is added to the collective for the team. Not many events have adopted this format, but more are catching on to it. Atlas Race and Superhero Scramble are the two most prominent pushing this type of racing.
Finding a Team
OCR is an extremely social sport; more and more regional teams are popping up across the country. If you are looking for a team in your area, the best place to start is with a Google search or ask a fellow racer. Facebook has been a great source to bring athletes together. Reebok Spartan Race has the Spartan Chicked group with more than 10,000 female members and counting. Many women have used this page to help find other women in their area to train and race with, with some even finding lifelong friends in the process.
Whether you decide to go it alone on the day of the event or decide to race with a team, you will come off the course meeting new people and making new bonds. OCR is for everyone and one of the greatest things about the sport is the people!
That’s the dirt for this week. How do you like to race— alone or on a team?
