After each mud run or obstacle race I compete in, you'll get my review and grades for each event to help you decide which ones you might want to sign up for. The following categories will be discussed:

1. COURSE- the design, venue, and setup of the race itself- how creative/ adventurous/ difficult the obstacles were, and obviously... how was the MUD?!?

2. FESTIVAL- all the fun beyond the actual race- the social atmosphere which usually includes food, beer garden, dj/ music/ concert, contests, vendors, and more during the after-party

3. SWAG- the included goodie bag and prizes up for grabs- all the "free" stuff that comes with price of entry and the quality of awards, shirts, and other giveaways

Feel free to use the search box to read up on any past topics you might be looking for.

REEBOK SPARTAN RACE TIMES SQUARE CHALLENGE, NYC, 1/17/13

I debated whether or not to write up a review for this event, since it certainly was not a race or competition, but more of demonstration on Spartan Race's big day announcing their partnership with Reebok. While I wasn't passing up the opportunity for obstacle practice in Times Square anyway, I was also on "official" business as correspondent for Obstacle Racing Magazine's coverage of the event. So, for all of those across the country who couldn't make it to midtown Manhattan, here's the Report...

1. COURSE-  Set up under a large party tent on Broadway between 42nd and 43rd Streets in the heart of Times Square, participants (including celebrities Tiki Barber, Brooklyn Decker, and elite CrossFitter Spencer Hendel) got try to try their hands (and feet) at a number of the typical Spartan obstacles found in their races.  A vertical climbing wall, rock-climbing traverse wall, monkey bars, and rope climb were among the favorites it seemed.  They did have a truck bed of mulch (?) as a mock mud pit to crawl though, but I hope newbies will know that is just a glimpse of what's to come when they sign up. Of course this was a shortened version in every aspect, but the under-5 minute maze of tasks did provide a good glimpse of what the "real" event is all about. That was the goal I'm sure- to attract onlookers in the busiest intersection on the planet, rather than really test any athlete's abilities. Veteran racers had an easy go of the course, and most ran through it several times.  Grade = B

2. FESTIVAL-   A bit of a disappointment without music, obviously no beer hahaha, or much to do besides spectate, though you have to remember a regular race festival (afterparty) is obviously funded mainly by the participants's entry fees.  And this demo, was of course free to the public, so its hard to gripe about it.  I only thought that the magnitude of the Reebok-Spartan deal would have had a little more "fireworks" (not literally!) to celebrate the 2013 Spartan season and grab every New Yorker and tourist to come see what was happening on a Thursday morning in Times Square.  I probably could have walked by a block further down the street and not noticed.  Grade = C

3. SWAG-  The Mudman got some really sweet gear hookups from both Spartan and Reebok!  SR had two tshirts being given away, the first I'm willing to bet was from the original Times Square date in November (top photo) and then another was produced since Reebok joined, as a promo for the Citi Field race happening in April this year (not shown). Anyone who ran through the o-course also received a Spartan medal, the same one you'd get after the finish line at one of their regular Sprint races. Media received an incredible goodie bag of some of the newest Reebok apparel (bottom photo).  Not a bad haul?!  Grade = A




Thank you again to Obstacle Racing Magazine and all the folks who made it a fun day in NYC.

OVERALL GRADE = B