Keep playing in the mud!

Playing in the Mud

The OCR Buddy Blog

An Open Letter to Joe DeSena and Spartan Leadership: If You Want to Hear Us, Sit With Us

Dear Joe, I’ve been a social media and community manager in the OCR world for over seven years. That’s not just a job—it’s a commitment. I’ve poured my time, my energy, and my heart into this sport because I love it. I love the people in it. I love the grit, the growth, the community.

Season of Giving: Still I Run

I didn’t start with running. I started with writing. Still I Run’s Run.Write.Fight. program invited me to write notes of encouragement to others navigating their own mental health struggles. It felt simple—quiet advocacy, handwritten solidarity. But somewhere between the ink and the intention, I realized something: I wasn’t just supporting others. I was asking for

Season of Giving: Lionhearts Fitness

As part of OCR Buddy’s Season of Giving, I’m honored to spotlight a program that’s reshaping youth OCR from the ground up. Lionhearts Fitness, founded by my friend and inspiration Michele Luccketta, is a nonprofit rooted in movement, mentorship, and radical inclusion. Based in North Georgia and East Tennessee, Lionhearts is more than a training

Season of Giving: Wear Blue to Remember

Wear Blue: Run to Remember is more than a movement—it’s a living, breathing tribute to service, sacrifice, and community. For the OCR community, it offers a powerful way to connect purpose with movement. In obstacle course racing, we push our limits. We climb, crawl, and carry—often in honor of something greater than ourselves. That’s why

Taking a Pause: OCR Buddy Community Choice Awards

We started the awards to celebrate the community. To shine a light on the people who make OCR what it is: gritty, generous, and full of heart. But somewhere along the way, that spirit got lost. It started feeling too serious, too heavy. And for a small team already stretched thin, it became more than

When the Finish Lines Disappeared: Rebuilding Through Still I Run’s Mental Health Runner Program

Before the pandemic, I lived by finish lines. I set race goals, weight loss goals, calendar goals. Running was my structure—something I could measure, control, and chase. I trained hard, tracked everything, and believed that progress meant pushing through. Then life fell apart. The pandemic didn’t just cancel races—it unraveled my rhythm. My nervous system

Meet HollarHype: The App for Real Time Che

In obstacle course racing, grit isn’t just physical—it’s emotional. Whether you’re climbing walls, crawling through mud, or pushing through mile 10 with shaky legs and a stubborn heart, what you need most isn’t always gear or training. Sometimes, it’s a voice. A reminder. A real-time “You’ve got this.” That’s where Holler Hype comes in. Holler

10 Questions That Matter: Inside the Spartan Para Championships

What happens when grit meets global collaboration? When adaptive athletes, passionate nonprofits, and race architects unite to build something never seen before? You get the Spartan Para World Championship—a groundbreaking event landing in Orlando on November 9th, and it’s rewriting the rules of what’s possible in OCR. This week, we sat down with Dan McDonald

Still I Run’s World Mental Health Day 5K

Every October, runners across the country lace up not just for miles—but for meaning. Still I Run’s World Mental Health Day 5K isn’t just a race. It’s a movement. A declaration. A community-driven effort to break the stigma surrounding mental health, one step at a time. This year, I’m honored to be part of it—not

OCR By the Number: Where are all the events?

This is the break down of OCR events by country from 7/29/25 to 12/31/2026. 🧭 Our global OCR map is built by you. This app is more than a database—it’s a community-powered effort to spotlight obstacle course races around the world. Whether you’re hosting a local mud run, know of a hidden gem in your

Race Day Gear: TRX System

Disclosure: This post contains affiliate links. As an Amazon Associate, we may earn a small commission if you purchase through these links—at no extra cost to you. We only share gear we personally use and trust for OCR training and racing. When it comes to OCR training, versatility is everything. You need strength, balance, grip,

Race Day Must Have: MudGear Socks

Disclosure: OCR Buddy is a participant in the Amazon Associates Program, an affiliate advertising program that allows us to earn fees by linking to Amazon.com and affiliated sites. This means that when you purchase products through links in our blog, we may receive a small commission—at no additional cost to you. Additionally, OCR Buddy collaborates

Race Day Must Have: MudGear Gloves

Disclosure: OCR Buddy is a participant in the Amazon Associates Program, an affiliate advertising program designed to provide a means for sites to earn fees by linking to Amazon.com and affiliated sites. This means that when you purchase products through links in our blog, OCR Buddy may receive a small commission—at no extra cost to

Race Day Must Haves: Alter Ego Running Hats

Disclaimer: As an ambassador for Alter Ego Running, I proudly support and promote their products. My opinions are based on personal experience and a genuine appreciation for the brand’s quality and fit, especially for runners with larger heads. While I may receive benefits as part of my ambassador role, my recommendations are always rooted in

10 Questions: Peter Lissjanis: World Obstacle UPIM 2025 World Obstacle Course Racing Championships

Obstacle Course Racing continues to push the limits of endurance, strategy, and adaptability, and the World Obstacle UPIM 2025 OCR World Championships promises to be a defining moment for the sport. At the helm of this monumental event is Peter Lissjanis, whose vision and leadership are shaping the ultimate test for athletes worldwide. The World

Race Review: The Mosh OCR

The Mosh OCR – Hazelwood, MO I found out about The Mosh OCR when deciding to participate in the Heartland Elite OCR series.  This is a series of races held by 3 different small OCR brands, and participants can participate in one of each to earn points toward the overall series podium.  The Mosh OCR

Free Is A Very Good Price-Until It Is Not

The Truth About “Free” Race Entries: What You Need to Know If you’ve been receiving emails from Bubble Run or Muddy Dash since last fall, you’re not alone. These promotions have been flooding inboxes, promising “free” race entries—but as many racers have learned, free doesn’t always mean free. Let’s Address the Elephant in the Room

Community Speaks: Dear Savage Race

Dear Savage Race: It was a simple prompt. A chance for the community to share your your love for Savage Race. And the community spoke. We present. Dear Savage Race: Please keep being awesome with your customer service and obstacle innovation. Brittany Hastings Everything is great except the spectator fees. I have friends and family

10 Questions with Przemek Trapkowski

In the world of obstacle course racing (OCR) and Ninja training, Toroz Ninja stands out as a beacon of innovation and quality. Known for its cutting-edge training equipment, from ultra-grip grips to elite combo cages, Toroz Ninja caters to athletes striving to conquer the toughest challenges. At the heart of this dynamic brand is Przemek

10 Questions with Libbie Joyce

At just 17 years old, Libbie Joyce has already made a significant impact in the world of obstacle course racing (OCR). Growing up immersed in the sport, thanks to her mother’s passion for Spartan competitions, Libbie has navigated a path filled with challenges and triumphs. Learn more about the next steps in her journey in

2024 OCR Buddy Community Choice Award Winners and Runners Up

You nominated. You voted. Your voice has been heard If you would want to take a further look into the data: https://docs.google.com/spreadsheets/d/1v91W_nrE4BD9ejsOhAiPs1gnh-sSPKeojFDLsdnpojg/edit?usp=sharing Congratulations to your 2024 OCR Community Choice Award Winners

Steps to Take When Your Endurance Sports Race Gets Canceled

Unexpected race cancellations can be disappointing, especially after months of rigorous training and anticipation. However, it’s important to stay positive and focus on the steps you can take to manage the situation effectively. Here are some steps you can follow if your endurance sports race, such as an obstacle course race (OCR), gets canceled: 1.

The Erase the Trace Race Series

It all started with a Highlander Adventure backpacking trip in 2023 that inspired Spartan Brand Ambassador, SGX Coach, and Unbreakable Athlete Jennifer Madura to connect with and become an ambassador for the nonprofit Responsible Stewardship. Responsible Stewardship is on a mission to educate others on being good stewards of the lands they recreate on, educating

8 Things to Get Your Sweetheart (or Yourself) for Valentine’s Day

Please note: OCR Buddy is a proud Amazon Affiliate. OCR Buddy will receive a small commission for your purchases. That money will go to continue to grow and develop the app. Love is in the air—and so is the smell of post-workout sweat! This Valentine’s Day, show some love to your partner, your training buddy,

Operation Enduring Warrior: Empowering Adaptive Warriors Through Obstacle Course Racing

Operation Enduring Warrior (OEW) is a veteran-founded non-profit organization dedicated to honoring, empowering, and motivating our nation’s wounded military and law enforcement veterans through physical, mental, and emotional rehabilitation. Their mission is to help participants overcome adversity and hardship through innovation, teamwork, and perseverance. One of the most impactful ways OEW achieves this is by

Review: Kemimoto Heated Vest

I’m not quite sure how it happened but I seemed to have become the electronically heated apparel reviewer for the Obstacle Course Racing (OCR) world.  I recently had the opportunity to try out another heated product, this time a vest from Kemimoto.  With more than half a dozen heated apparel reviews, I’ve started to form

Introducing Still I Run

I used to see runners talking about the powerful connection between running and mental health, which piqued my curiosity. I personally knew about it from my own journey. As I delved deeper, I discovered Still I Run, a nonprofit organization dedicated to enhancing mental health through the power of running. Inspired by their mission and

Robb McCoy On The Return of F.I.T Challenge

We’re thrilled to welcome Robb McCoy, the visionary director behind F.I.T Challenge, to discuss the much-anticipated return of his renowned obstacle course race in 2025. With a reputation for pushing boundaries and creating unforgettable experiences for participants, Robb has continuously elevated the standards of obstacle course racing and become a #racelocal favorite. OCR Buddy Founder

10 Questions: Crewing the World’s Toughest Mudder: Behind the Scenes with Crew Members

As the chill of a November night settled over Florida, the World’s Toughest Mudder commenced, promising to test not just the endurance of its competitors but the resilience of its dedicated crews. Amid the electric atmosphere, charged with a blend of excitement and trepidation, crew members prepared to support their racers through a grueling 24-hour

From the Mail Bag: Who Runs What?

I recently got a great question from someone new to the OCR scene: “Who is in charge of what? It can be really confusing with all these championship events. For instance, Costa Rica was different from Croatia, which is different from the Dubai event. And then there are all these local events like the ones

The Safety of Run Training

In a recent article by Runner’s World 92% of women and 28% of men have felt unsafe running.  Luckily for you, I have 20 years of military experience working in Special Forces and 20+ years of running experience (that includes a decade of OCR specific training) to apply to the topic.  Add in the simple

Race Review: Naticook Challenge 5k OCR

After living in the Midwest for my whole Obstacle Course Racing (OCR) career, I recently moved to the northeast of the US and was excited to check out some of the local brands.  The first on my list in the New England area was the Naticook Challenge 5k OCR at the southern end of New

How to Save/Make Money From Racing

I’ve spent a decade racing and have spent so much money traveling you might question my decision making.  However, what you may not know is I’ve made more than I’ve spent in the sport thanks to a mix of creativity, understanding human psychology and a little hard work.  While some podium prizes did help, that’s

Naked Goat Vanilla Protein Review

I recently tried Naked Goat Chocolate protein powder and thought it tasted great.  Chocolate tends to be my “go to” when trying a new protein flavor as it can easily mask the taste if it isn’t the best.  However, their chocolate tasted so good I decided to try their vanilla as well, which is a

Focusing on the Athletes Over Controversy

“When people start discussing a scandal, it’s hard to talk about anything else” – Dave Kovic, acting as President Mitchell in Dave (1993) When I was on my honeymoon, my house was robbed. When I came back from my trip to Kenya and Tanzania, no one asked about the elephants, giraffes, lions, and lion kills

10 Questions with Mariel Pauline

A 36-year-old former New Yorker who has traded the bustling streets of NYC for the sunny shores of St. Petersburg, Florida. Her past life as a nightlife professional has given way to a new passion: building and nurturing a vibrant community in the wellness space. She also might be part Mermaid. OCR Buddy Ambassador Mariel

10 Questions with Lionheart Fitness

“Alone, we can do so little; together, we can do so much.” – Helen Keller It all started with a tragedy and that tragedy transformed into a passion for bringing the OCR community together and bring OCR to underserved populations. Personally, I feel like both are a force and an inspiration. They truly care about

Bringing Functional Fitness to the Masses: Deadboys Fitness

“You can’t kill us, we are already dead.”– The Deadboys Manifesto The Founders: Colby Lopez and Josh Gallegos Flashback to January 2019. I felt stagnant, despite constant running. My fitness and mental strength were suffering. I knew I thrived on CrossFit-style workouts but wasn’t keen on returning to a CrossFit gym. I had a local

Murder Creek Mud Run Review

Thanks to my day job, I was outside my normal Obstacle Course Racing (OCR) bubble recently and free the morning of Murder Creek Mud Run.  I took a quick trip into Alabama to see what the race, run by Phoenix OCR, was all about.  Here’s a quick assessment and if you should make the trip:

Manscaped Performance Package 5.0 Ultra Review

You may have seen MANSCAPED products advertised on some of your favorite podcast platforms or on advertisement placement at major sporting events like the Ultimate Fighting Championships (UFC).  I decided to check out their Platinum Package body grooming kit to see if the advertisement lives up to the hype and if it is worth it

10 Questions with Susanna Burger

Susanna Burger started her OCR journey in 2013 and can’t picture her life without the community. She shares the story about running for her dad, being an OCR Buddy Ambassador and more in this edition of 10 Questions. Social media? FB – susannaburger / IG – sgburger & subuocr / TikTok – susybee007 1. Tell

10 Questions with We Finish Together’s Founder Blake Starr

What do you do with all your finish medals? Did you know that your medals could find a second life and make a someone’s day who is going through an illness or other challenge? Let me introduce you to We Finish Together. I found out about them a few years ago when I was doing

Race Review: Hazelwood OCR: The Mosh

If you’ve lived in Missouri, you may have heard of Hazelwood Obstacle Course Racing (OCR) events by now.  They typically do 2x events a year, each with a fun theme often changing the names.  The early Spring (sometimes held in Winter) one this year was called “The Mosh”.  A metal themed race that is part

OCR in 2024: UK and US by the Numbers

Is OCR dying?We used the numbers in OCR Buddy to produce this report to give us a snap-shot of the health of OCR. We will let the numbers speak for themselves.  Editors Note: If you cant read the document, use the download feature at the bottom of the PDF that is embedded.   

10 Questions with Brit Joniec

For OCR Buddy Ambassador Brit Joniec it is all about the community. Learn about how she is coming back from an accident that took her drive and motivation in this edition of “Ten Questions” Name: Brit Joniec Social Media: http://www.instagram.com/joniecb 1. Tell us about yourself Born and raised in Philly. I’ve been playing sports since

10 Questions with Brittany Hastings

OCR Buddy Ambassador Brittany Hastings is tackling a new challenge in 2024 as she is expecting a baby but still plans on being a part of the OCR community from the sidelines. Name: Brittany Hastings 1. Tell us about yourself I love OCRs, going to the gym, escape rooms, and doing puzzles. I got married

What can Spartan do?

Loaded question we know. We posed the question to you that if you had been in charge in Spartan what would you change and the answers we got. A LOT So we present your answers. Without context and with minimal editing. Kevin JonesQuit catering to elites and get back to the original mantra of getting

10 Questions with Greg Champion

We are so proud of our ambassadors and personally Greg Champion has stepped up to help so much with OCR Buddy and our social media. Our footprint wouldn’t be the same without him. Its our pleasure to give you the chance to meet this amazing force in the next 10 Questions. Name Greg Champion You

Race Review: Alula Tough Mudder Infinity Saudi Arabia

I had the opportunity to travel to the largest prize purse event in Obstacle Course Racing (OCR) history, Tough Mudder Infinity in Saudi Arabia.  I’ll be releasing an article on The OCR Report (www.TheOCRReport.com) covering the nuances of the experiences as well as a podcast on Strength & Speed OCR (Strength & Speed (teamstrengthspeed.com)).  If

By the numbers: OCR by City

Where are the most OCR events by city? Which cities lack OCR? It is a question that was raised behind the scenes of OCR Buddy and we wanted to share with you the outcome of our reporting from the OCR Buddy event system. We took the top 50 cities by population and searched for events

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