1. COURSE- The question for me here is, do I compare this race generally to all the other races I do, or compare it very specifically to last August's 2014 Tri-State event at Raceway Park? The switch to (elite heat) running two laps of an 8k was a big change from a straight 15k course. Each lap this year had around 32 obstacles to contend with, and doubling that made for "more" than the 51 reported in last years race. Having to do a few of the more grueling tasks a second time, after an hour or so of fatigue later, was probably the toughest part of the new structure. At least a combined mile's worth of each lap had us carrying a Wreck (sand) Bag or a single Jerry (water) can, so the second time around seemed to drag on those, almost literally! I know the rope traverse, aka Tyrolean, was another critical point that cost some elite's their wristband due to diminishing grip, especially on the final pass. That spot, along with the Normandy Jacks and Platinum Rig, also were the couple major congestion areas where the participants (especially the Elite's and Xtreme'rs who were doing multiple laps) ran into traffic logjams that briefly defeated their idea of racing a quick, unobstructed course. It's a small mention, but I do applaud whoever was responsible (Mr. Acord?) for finding the absolute muddiest parts of Englishtown's wooded trails- one section that was close to a quicksand muck death trap if you stood less than 5 feet tall. Hella fun though! What I missed most from last year were a few of my favorite obstacles toward the finish line- no monkey bars or quarter pipe (or paintball shooting, even if it was just for fun). Apparently the venue wasn't very accommodating with time for their build, and some things just had to be left out. Even with any of the negatives, and I include those frequent pavement running sections (hate!) in that, this course was still better than most of what you'll find on a typical OCR weekend. GRADE = A
2. FESTIVAL- I didn't get to peruse the vendor area for very long, as I wimped out to hide under a tent during the late morning rain. It did seem more condensed, but that design helped to provide some good viewing areas for the new Platinum Rig climbing obstacle and the famed Tip of the Spear which became the finale on this course. One thing I certainly wasn't thrilled with was the different parking arrangement, across the street in a grassy part of the woods. Parking right on site last year was great to be able to hit the car for your change of clothes after the race, but I think this distance might have hurt the party scene, since some people my not have wanted to walk the half mile and then come back (again, too, in the rain). GRADE = B
3. SWAG- I ran the Miami BattleFrog this February, so I assumed to be picking up the same souvenirs again from that race. T-shirt of course was identical as expected, but it's one I like and was glad to grab a second one (planning on 5 for the year) to give away. My new favorite swag among probably all OCRs this year is the Elite band bounty that is yours to lose, if you should have to give it up to the Course Marshalls from not completing an obstacle. Individually numbered to your bib from that race, it's also a symbol that you truly passed the course without fail, if you manage to keep it til the end! On the downside of this year's prize basket, and you know I'm picky, receiving the same "15k" elite medal was kind of a cheap move that a lot of people caught on to, since this event no longer has any 15k course (as of about 3 months ago). It's not that running the extra kilometer was that much more of an effort to deserve a better medal, but we realize that this was simply a way to pass off the inventory of old awards (albeit nice and high quality) that were no longer accurate. From what I saw, the Open heat 8k medals had no distinction of that on their actual medallion, just on the lanyard? I'll be at their New England race next month, but if the same thing happens, this mark again won't get the "A" they really should be earning. GRADE = B
