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.

GOLIATHON, Mullica Hill NJ, 6/3/17

The single disappointment I had with Goliathon last year was not being able to do their October event after having such a blast in the Spring 2016 competition.  Truly a unique type of OC'R' (minus the Race part- I keep forgetting to take out that letter, since it is not a timed race after all), it is growing in reputation as one of the top quality must-do's in the Northeast, for both racers and certainly the ninja warrior fan or athlete.

1. COURSE-  To read up on the full details and format of how this event runs, last year's article explained it all pretty clearly.  What I can tell you from this years experience is that everything I remembered from a year ago was either just as good or better, as many of the obstacles got facelifts or a redesign (some made a little harder, in case you assumed all those G2's were a piece of cake!).  The point is, the participants' demands for quality and challenge did not go ignored, as obstacles looked shiny and new despite being set up on a permanent year-round course.  Most people's favorite, the final "Over the Moon" warped wall, got an entire new rebuild with wider lanes so several can go at a time as they channel their inner American Ninja Warrior going to grab the top wall and pull themselves to victory!  GRADE = A

2. FESTIVAL-  Just about identical to their 2016 event, the afterparty is a small intimate space between the start and finish chutes, just as you collect your swag (see below) and reminisce about all the awesome ninja action that took place.  The big festival attraction had to be the almost neverending rope climb challenge dangling from a construction crane, which gathered crowds to watch how long it would take the best climbers to get to the top.  If only I had even an ounce of grip strength left after the dozen course obstacles and 4 miles of running, I would have tried it.  Well, maybe next time before running the course I'll give it a go!  GRADE = A

3. SWAG-  Already one of my favorite shirts (maroon color is the first any race has given out that I'm aware of), and same quality triblend material that they had for last years' edition (also a big fan of that lime green one).  They changed the medal to a round shape with magnet back, which is also a first I've seen, in case you wanted to stick on your fridge rather than a wall hook.  And of course the souvenirs of true pride come in each participants' wrist full of earned bands, different colors for each level of obstacle completed.  Lastly, I'm proud to say the squad from our Long Island based gym, Obstacle Athletics, came through with not only several top individual scores for the day, but we also took the 2nd place team award (not shown) in the overall standings!  We will surely be back this October to do even better! GRADE = A


OVERALL GRADE = A