1. COURSE- So, lets get those big differences out of the way first. Most obvious was that the race distance has changed since last winter- no longer 5k open heat and 15k for elites. The course is now an 8k (5 mile) for all, but elites do two laps, and the Xtreme is a max laps challenge by cutoff time. Therefore you can surmise that the race has become even more difficult for anyone doing extra laps, meaning you'll hit ALL of the obstacles more than once (and elites have mandatory completion or face DQ). I believe the February race was the last to offer that 15k Elite heat, but of course that was a continuously different layout for that distance. While there were plenty of potentially alligator-lurking swim sections on course, my favorite Tyrolean traverse didn't make its reappearance this time, maybe because that same spot seemed to be much lower water level than in February. BattleFrog (as with several other OCRs) have become known for the very difficult Platinum Rig obstacle that has either claimed numerous competitor's wristbands for failing, or simply held up racers for even hours until being able to figure out the way to traverse this ninja warrior-esque playground. Now imagine having to do that twice (at the end of each lap), in addition to each 5 miles of running and all the other heavy grip work that you're forced to endure. Nasty, but just the way we want it! GRADE = A
2. FESTIVAL- Just like last time, rain was in the forecast but held out until about mid day, so the morning race and hours of post-party were spared before the downpour. A lot of great vendors either had samples or heavily discounted product for sale, and Kill Cliff drink brand was the best of them with $10 tshirts, $2 shades, and as many free cans of beverage as we wanted! And with the DJ doing his thing all day and Coach Pain pumping up the crowd, the atmospshere was pretty hyped- nice job that BattleFrog did with the whole scene. GRADE = A
3. SWAG- Every time I pick up one of these shirts, I appreciate more the quality that they hold, with little details on the green stitching, small branded BF tag, etc. Though its the 4th tee I've picked up this year, I also give this series huge credit for being one of the few that also has a ladies fitted version, a rarity in OCR. I'll still give them a little sh*t for the fact that these elite heat medals continue to be last years style that say "15k" (just short of the actual 8k + 8k that equals 16k haha!), but oh well the weight and design is still way above so many other race series. I am guessing that since the championship race in a few weeks will be giving away a totally new medal (and shirt), that 2016 will hopefully then have an updated and more "accurate" design. Hoping to also keep another orange elite wristband for every obstacle completed at that Orlando race, which so far luckily I've been able to accomplish in all 4 BattleFrogs I've done this year. GRADE = A
OVERALL GRADE = A
