1. COURSE- The obvious and expected was that we would be racing on a flat course through the (announced) 8 miles of Florida early summer heat, although no official race course map was released prior to the event. I also knew that the Revolution Offroad Park would, and did, include LOTS of sandy track/trails making up a large part of the running sections. What I did not expect was the three long swim sections, which must have added to a total of at least 300-400 meters. Easily the most swimming I have ever done in a race, and for that matter, perhaps the most ever in one day of my life! Being a lousy swimmer, it was quite humbling but did feel refreshing as it got hotter outside (luckily no alligators were able to get me despite my slow doggie paddle for what felt like an eternity). The obstacles ranged from the ordinary (wall and ladder climbs, tire carry and cinder block drag) to the almost thrill ride level (cargo net crawl 20 feet above two storage containers, an amazing steep slippery slide near the final stretch toward finish line). What I did find interesting was the many "borrowed" obstacles from other races- a high ledge jump into water, an ice bath plunge, a gymnastics ring traverse. One might knock Superhero for taking these from other events, but history has shown these are among the best and most popular that these types of races will offer. Grade = B
2. FESTIVAL- It had been a while since I got to enjoy a good mud run afterparty, and Superhero really brought it home with their version. Having both the start and finish lines in the central festival area, everyone could enjoy watching both ends of the race- to cheer, laugh, and of course take pictures- which is exactly what ends up becoming the best part of the day. Huge tents set up to shield the sun, along with allowing private groups to set up their own, was a major bonus (although it still didn't stop this Northerner from getting a little sunburned anyway). Several private restaurants were onsite selling their local Cajun fare, and at a decent price too (had both a jerk chicken with salad and an alligator burger with fries, each meal costing under $10). Also want to mention the very cool band, The Crazy Carls, that rocked the stage the entire day. Overall, just a very well-done festival. Grade = A
2. FESTIVAL- It had been a while since I got to enjoy a good mud run afterparty, and Superhero really brought it home with their version. Having both the start and finish lines in the central festival area, everyone could enjoy watching both ends of the race- to cheer, laugh, and of course take pictures- which is exactly what ends up becoming the best part of the day. Huge tents set up to shield the sun, along with allowing private groups to set up their own, was a major bonus (although it still didn't stop this Northerner from getting a little sunburned anyway). Several private restaurants were onsite selling their local Cajun fare, and at a decent price too (had both a jerk chicken with salad and an alligator burger with fries, each meal costing under $10). Also want to mention the very cool band, The Crazy Carls, that rocked the stage the entire day. Overall, just a very well-done festival. Grade = A
3. SWAG- Good stuff to take home, with a supersoft cotton tee (reverse has the Intimidator statline of 8+ miles, 25+ obstacle, etc) and really awesome blue/black finisher medal truly worthy of a superhero! I am guessing the shirts and medals will be different colors for the varying distance events, as Spartan Race also does. Hopefully I will get to July's shorter "Charger" event in NY and find out. Looking forward to doing more of this series, and hopefully getting on the podium where top 3's also win cash prizes and an additional larger size medal. Grade = A
OVERALL GRADE = A
