For more than a decade, ARM RACE has been one of the most distinctive and ambitious obstacle course racing (OCR) projects in Poland. Behind its growth, innovation, and unmistakable identity stands its founder and president, Michał Piotrowicz — a creator driven by passion, discipline, and a deep belief in the power of challenge. In this conversation, Michał shares the origins of ARM RACE, the philosophy behind its design, and the direction he sees for OCR both in Poland and beyond.
Q&A WITH MICHAŁ PIOTROWICZ
1. To start, can you introduce yourself and share how ARM RACE began?
My name is Michał Piotrowicz, and I have been the president of ARM RACE for eleven years. From the very beginning, I have been building this race and shaping its direction of development. I love organizing events, I love people, and I love sport — physical activity has always been an important part of my life. When OCR began appearing in Poland, I felt it was the perfect moment to create my own obstacle race, one that would be more than just another sporting event.
2. How did your personal journey with OCR start, and what drew you into building events rather than competing in them?
My adventure with OCR started from the organizational side rather than the competitive one, because I’m not an athlete — I’m the creator and president of the event. I was fascinated by the combination of running with terrain challenges and obstacles that test character, determination, and mental strength. From the beginning, I knew I wanted to create a project that would grow alongside the discipline and eventually have a real impact on shaping OCR in Poland.
3. ARM RACE has earned recognition for its obstacles and event design. What do you think makes your race stand out in the OCR community?
We did indeed win the award for the best obstacle at the OCR Championships, and it’s a great honor for us. ARM RACE is unique primarily because of the people who create and build it — an amazing team — and because of the participants who return year after year. Currently, our project is aimed mainly at the elite, and starting this year, we are also strongly developing children’s races in the Elite format, which has been very well received. We can see that it works, and we are consistently moving in that direction.
4. Your events take place in very specific locations. How do you choose where to host ARM RACE, and what factors matter most in that decision?
The choice of locations is not accidental. These are proven spots where we have strong organizational support and real external backing from local partners and institutions. Thanks to this, we know what to expect in terms of logistics and operations, while still enjoying the opportunity to surprise athletes. Every year, the course and obstacle layout are designed to create new challenges and give even the most experienced elite athletes a run for their money.
5. What is your long‑term vision for ARM RACE, especially as OCR continues to grow in Poland?
ARM RACE is a race with a future, and Poland is a country with enormous athletic potential and growing training awareness. We are creating a project with real development ambitions and a strong focus on quality. A special element is ARM RACE Selekcja, which we want to make something absolutely unique on both a national and global scale. This year, it will take place in a triad format — three races in different locations, lasting eight, sixteen, and twenty‑four hours. We are strongly focused on the elite and on pushing personal limits, both physical and mental.
6. This year you’re expanding formats like Selekcja and children’s Elite races. What direction do you see the event evolving toward in the next few seasons?
We want to systematically raise the organizational and athletic standards of our races. We are heavily promoting ARM RACE Selekcja, which has become a powerful motivator for athletes. In the previous edition, the competition was extremely fierce, and the fight for the podium lasted practically until the final minutes, creating an incredible spectacle. Our goal is also to attract international athletes, including competitors from the United States through OCR Buddy, so that ARM RACE becomes an event with global reach. In addition, we offer the 5 km and 10 km Elite and Open formats, a 5 km Fun Run, children’s Elite‑style races, and the OCR100.
7. ARM RACE is known for its unique obstacles. Which obstacles are you most proud of, and what makes them special?
Our most recognizable and award‑winning obstacle was the expanded multirig, which required excellent grip, technique, and strategy. Personally, I like obstacles that force athletes to think and adapt during the race, not just rely on pure strength. The most popular obstacles are those that command respect but also deliver huge satisfaction when conquered — like our now‑iconic “Mammoth,” a 40‑meter obstacle combining multirigs, low rigs, balance elements, and challenging holds. This structure defines the character of ARM RACE and stays in athletes’ memories long after the race.
8. From your perspective, how is OCR developing across Europe, and what would you like to see change or improve in the sport?
OCR in Europe is developing dynamically, but I still see room for better organization and unified standards. Sometimes there is a lack of a cohesive system and a strong emphasis on the sport’s competitive dimension. As ARM RACE, I would push even harder to promote high quality, clear competition rules, and build the prestige of OCR as a legitimate sport — not just a recreational activity.
9. Looking ahead, what are your goals for ARM RACE in terms of growth, international reach, and athlete development?
The future of ARM RACE includes further development of children’s formats and strengthening our position among the elite. We want to build uniqueness and recognition beyond Poland as well, which is why we are counting heavily on the results of our collaboration with OCR Buddy. Our goal is to create a brand associated with quality, professionalism, and a distinct style, regardless of where we host our races. We are focused on the elite, while also giving Open athletes the chance to compete on the same obstacles as the elite so they can learn the standards of the elite category. We are also expanding children’s and youth races and adding more age‑group categories.
10. Is there anything else you’d like to share — something personal or behind‑the‑scenes about what ARM RACE represents to you?
ARM RACE is a project built on passion, consistency, and a real vision for development. It is not just a race — it is a community of people who believe in the value of challenges, in pushing boundaries, and in sport that builds character. If someone is looking for an event that leaves a mark not only on the course but also in the mind and heart, ARM RACE is exactly that place.
Privately — though still as the president of ARM RACE — I’ll add something personal. I love cooking, and it’s one of the things that brings me great joy outside of sport and event organization. That’s why during our events, athletes can try my cooking — their race packets include a meal voucher, and from the big grill they get fresh, hearty dishes. I like when ARM RACE has not only a high sporting level but also a warm, human side that creates atmosphere and makes participants feel genuinely good here.
Conclusion
ARM RACE is more than a competition — it’s a culture built on resilience, innovation, and community. Under Michał Piotrowicz’s leadership, the event continues to evolve, pushing athletes to new limits while shaping the future of OCR in Poland and beyond. With its expanding formats, international ambitions, and unmistakable identity, ARM RACE stands as a testament to what happens when passion meets vision and is carried forward with consistency year after year.
Learn more: https://armrace.pl/
