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.

SPARTAN RACE FENWAY PARK, Boston MA, 11/7/15

It's almost hard to believe this is already the 4th year Spartan has dropped into Beantown, which also marks my 3rd time running it here. I missed last year's freezing cold race that was probably reminiscent of the frigid inaugural 2012 time trial event which literally had frost on the exposed upper deck areas.  But this time around, the more pleasant New England fall weekend weather was just as it was the last time I came up after the Red Sox' 2013 World Series championship. Boston is just a great city to visit with an amazing ballpark to be in, even if you're a Yankee like me ;)

1. COURSE-  For the most part, these stadium series races have become so increasingly similar, being able to predict the understandably shortest distance of all Spartan's courses and what obstacles to expect (or not) as they'd fit into these cramped sports arenas.  Many GPS measurements clocked in around 2.3 miles total with a lot of that obviously being stair climbs or just sprints down long hallway sections. The name of the game is hard and fast, as the track speedsters and CrossFit athletes will flourish at this style of race. Many of the "obstacles" (too many, IMO) as we've seen in stadiums are quick fitness stations of 20 rep exercises, making it feel more like a CrossFit workout than a traditional OCR.  And as I've griped before, this style of racing allows just too much cheating whether intentional or not, to be really considered a fair way of racing.  And as you can imagine, no mud to speak of other than the dry warning track dirt, doesn't get me as excited as the other outdoor events.  GRADE = B

2. FESTIVAL- I was able to attend both race days but see little difference in the post race vibe, even though Sunday must have been quite a smaller turnout with a more condensed heat schedule.  Either way, the reason for that is simply because the festival at the race can't really exist due to the space limitations.  So as I've seen in CitiField and Philly stadium Spartans, at least Spartan tries to organize offsite local restaurants and bars to do the hosting. You'll just of course end up spending a lot more cash than you planned that way.  GRADE = C

3. SWAG-  The toss up here is that you'll get the same old gray tee that any other Spartan Sprint gave out for the year, but the commemorative Fenway Park medal with unique designed and dated lanyard is a great souvenir.  On top of that, the best "swag" you're really getting is the experience of full  access to one of sport's true historic landmarks, with hopefully some awesome pics against the Green Monster in left center field!  GRADE = B


OVERALL GRADE = B