Something remarkable is happening with the sport of Obstacle Course Racing. Communities are being built, both in person and online; individuals of all abilities are coming together to form teams; and generational lines are being crossed. We asked Yancy Culp—Elite OCR Athlete, Top coach & owner of yancycamp.com—why the fitness industry should pay attention to OCR and embrace this sport. Here’s what he had to say:

“Approximately 7 years ago, people all over the world were introduced to what arguably has become the largest fitness movement this planet has ever seen.

The sport of Obstacle Course Racing (aka OCR, Mud Runs and Adventure Racing) has been the fastest-growing participatory sport for numerous years. In 2017, Spartan Race and Tough Mudder (the two largest organizations putting on events and races) will have a minimum of 13 televised events on NBC and CBS, with NBC coming back for their fifth season of partnering with Spartan Race.

Obstacle course racing has created a strong sense of community and passion to serve others. Large groups and teams have been created. At the festival areas during the events, in communities and on social media, you can sense the growing trend of many in the OCR community becoming an extended family to each other. These events are about so much more than the race alone. Even though the sport has pro-level athletes competing for podium spots, prize money and sponsorship deals, the majority of the participants aren’t there to race. They are there to lift each other up mentally and physically as they tackle obstacles out on course just as they do in everyday life. Life can be a bumpy road and it doesn’t always make sense. The sport of obstacle course racing is helping many make sense of it all as they gather in massive numbers every weekend at locations all around the world and tackle obstacles out on course together.”

What does this mean for you, as a trainer or facility?

3 Reasons Why You Should Host an OCR Workout

  1. Generate Additional Revenue
    Differentiate yourself and implement a fee-based SGT program at your facility. There is no better time than now and no better anchor than OCR training.

  2. Increase Member Retention—Grow Your #fitfam
    Adding OCR-specific small- and large-group training sessions to your SGT schedule will increase the sense of energy, teamwork and camaraderie and enhance the overall sense of community within your facility.

  3. Transform the World
    These types of group training sessions will inspire your members to step outside their comfort zone. Start making strides to empower your members to achieve things they never thought possible.

Click here for more information about hosting a workout, including our Host an OCR Workout guide for tips and tricks on hosting your own OCR workout as well as access to our hour-long OCR workout with expert Yancy Culp and our OCR Special Edition catalog!