Stop the Music (Warning: This is a Rant)

 

I've noticed an increasing and disturbing trend at some obstacle races this year, and it really stuck out at September's Vermont Beast. And it needs to stop. Now.

End Spectator Fees at OCR Events

It costs a lot to be an obstacle racer. From your 5K mud runs up to your Tough Mudders and Spartan Beasts, registration costs are no small potatoes. On top of that, you get hit with plenty of other fees: mandatory insurance fees, parking fees, bag check fees, etc.

But probably the most distasteful fee charged by OCR companies is the spectator fee.

Spectator fees for adults at many of these events are usually $20 or more. (Kids often pay $10; such a bargain). It is a pure cash grab where companies that are already making a huge profit off each event are picking the pocket of their loyal customers.

Interview with Spartan Champ Jon Albon

One of the coolest things about being a journalist covering obstacle racing is I get to interview some of the best athletes in the world. Here is the interview I did with newly-crowned Reebok Spartan World Champ Jon Albon for Mud & Obstacle:

http://www.mudandobstacle.com/article/meet-man-beat-beast-spartan-world-championship-128

Interview with Spartan Women's Champ Claude Godbout

This blog has taken somewhat of a hiatus since early summer as I've struggled to shape it's identity. My obstacle racing writing efforts this year have largely been geared toward Mud & Obstacle Magazine, who I'm a contributing editor for and have been writing both magazine articles and blog posts for them.