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MOUNTAINLIFEBLUEMOUNTAINS
SUMMER2016
fighting force inneedof extra endurance and agility. Lt. Col.WilliamHoge
commanded theUSArmy Engineer ReplacementTrainingCenter inVirginia and
toprepare his engineers for combat zones he designed an experimental course
that includedmonkey bars, concrete pipes, barbedwire, swings, poles, cargo
nets, and logs over streams.Universities andhigh schools also integrated
courses into their physical education curricula for bothmen andwomen.
The foundationof today’s obstacle course renaissancemay lie in theUK-based
ToughGuy series started in the late ‘80s by former BritishArmyGrenadier
GuardBillyWilson.The 16-kilometre course has a deserved reputation as the
toughest in theworld; features have includednavigating floodedunderground
tunnels, 50-foot unsupported tower climbs, and crawlingunder barbedwire
while being smoke-bombed.
All-new for OCRWC 2016, andhopefully smoke-bomb-free, are themen's
andwomen’s Pro,Masters, andCompetitive Short Courses on the first day of
competition.The short course features a fast 3km track, testing speed, strength
and technique.
Themain-event ProChampionship15km race kicks off onOctober 15.Team
events (comprisedof three athletes racing in relay format on a four-leg course)
happenonOctober 16; there’s no teamqualification requirement to race in
this event, but racers can expect an additional mental angle to completing
the course as a group, strategically and efficiently navigating teammates over
walls and throughobstacles.
Thoughwe have nohints about course specifics so far, theOCRWC crewwas
at Blue a couple ofweeks agoplotting stages. Crews typically donot give out
course details or specific locations, as locals could trek the course aheadof
race day, giving them anunfair advantage.
If you’re aiming toqualify and signup, you’ve got until October 7. Formore,
check ou
n Instagram, or visit
–NelsonPhillips
The underlying goal?To demonstrate what extremes
the human body is capable of.
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