Spartan Spades founder Mike Taylor joins us to share the inspiration behind creating the group and the success he's achieved with it over the past few years. Then, Thomas Blanc gives us a preview of what racers can expect at the upcoming inaugural Spartan Sprint and 100M World Championship next weekend.

Use code 2024-ORM for all Tough Mudder and Spartan Races for 20 percent off.

Follow The Guests:  Spartan Spades Mike | Thomas Blanc

Support Us On Patreon for LOTS MORE behind the scenes.

You can listen to the podcast here or the link below.

All other Obstacle Racing Media Links.

Intro  Music – Paul B. Outro Music – Brian Revels

On the way to Savage Race Fall Georgia 2024, Matt decides to write the latest chapter by gathering stories about asking participants and staff their first experiences and favorite memories from Savage Race.

You will hear from : Rachel Watters, Jamie Horianopoulos, Shawn Roberts, Kevin Thompson, Jess Sheppard, Ryan Brizzolara, Jordan McDougal, Brett Crompton, Johnny Mares, Peter McNairy, Michael Mitchell, Jessika Poppe, Jeff Meeks, and Jenny Kitchens.

You can find the entire Book of OCR here.

Use code 2024-ORM for all Tough Mudder and Spartan Races for 20 percent off.

Support Us On Patreon for LOTS MORE behind the scenes.

You can listen to the podcast here or the link below.

All other Obstacle Racing Media Links.

Intro  Music – Paul B. Outro Music – Brian Revels.

Spartan's Senior Product Marketing Manager, Gary Belanger comes back on the show. This time, he's here to explain the 2025 Season changes to Matt and Scott The Fayne Knowles from I Am A Spartan Podcast.

We go over what will change for elite and age groups, why they are dumping pace groups, who we think should sponsor the all new East and West Coast Age Group Series and much more.

Use code 2024-ORM for all Tough Mudder and Spartan Races for 20 percent off.

Follow The Guests:  Scott The Fayne | Gary B

Support Us On Patreon for LOTS MORE behind the scenes.

You can listen to the podcast here.

All other Obstacle Racing Media Links.

Intro  Music – Paul B. Outro Music – Brian Revels.

Checking in from Costa Rica, John Howard talks about his weekend at the World Obstacle Racing Championships. It's his first time on the show, so we also talk his racing career to date and his future plans with OCR and Hybrid.

Then an old friend of the show, Wil Chung, stops by to talk about the massive announcement that World's Toughest Mudder is moving to the UK in 2025.

Use code 2024-ORM for all Tough Mudder and Spartan Races for 20 percent off.

Follow The Guests: Wil Chung | John Howard III

Support Us On Patreon for LOTS MORE behind the scenes.

You can listen to the podcast here.

All other Obstacle Racing Media Links.

Intro  Music – Paul B. Outro Music – Brian Revels.

Scott talks about Spartan racing, Spartan season passes, and elite prize money. Plus we talk Fargo, Acolyte, Wolverine and Deadpool, House Of The Dragon, and Mayor Kingstown.

Use code 2024-ORM for all Tough Mudder and Spartan Races for 20 percent off.

Follow I Am A Spartan Podcast

Support Us On Patreon for LOTS MORE behind the scenes.

You can listen to the podcast here or the link below.

All other Obstacle Racing Media Links.

Intro  Music – Paul B. Outro Music – Brian Revels.

Matt rewatched Season 1 and was thrilled! However, he still has many questions that puzzle him. Since he hasn't read the books, he brought on Bryan of House Darling, who has has read most of some of the books to try to learn more. 

They also play overrated/underrated, draft their HOTD small councils, and much more.

Bryan Darling loves obstacle racing. He also loves the works of George R.R. Martin. So, when his favorite OCR podcaster asked for help, he came running. Enjoy this episode about Matt’s current favorite show, with some obstacle racing analogies thrown in wherever possible.

Use code 2024-ORM for all Tough Mudder and Spartan Races for 20 percent off.

Support Us On Patreon for LOTS MORE behind the scenes.

You can listen to the podcast here.

Kara started several seconds after the fastest women in the Tri State Spartan race last Saturday, yet she finished with the 3rd fastest time. We got on the line with her to find out what was behind this race strategy and found out so much more.

Come along for one of the more interesting folks we've met recently, as we learn how her search for the best pizza, poke, and burger in Jersey far outweigh her desire to finish first in any race.

Use code 2024-ORM for all Tough Mudder and Spartan Races for 20 percent off.

Support Us On Patreon for LOTS MORE behind the scenes.

You can listen to the podcast here.

All other Obstacle Racing Media Links.

Intro  Music – Paul B. Outro Music – Brian Revels.

Adrian Bijanada and Matt B. Davis go all the way back to Oregonian Ohio to discuss the first year of The OCR World Championships. They go on to cover many highs and lows of the last decade of events which took place in multiple locations across 3 countries. They laughed, they cried, they remembered.

Here is the press release from December of 2013 - https://www.prweb.com/releases/ground_breaking_new_obstacle_course_racing_world_championships_announced_for_october_2014/prweb11391111.htm

Here is the article written just days after that first event - https://obstacleracingmedia.com/review/ocr-world-championships-review-the-real-ocr-world-championship/

RIP OCRWC - The Adventurey Years

2014 - 2015 Oregonia, Ohio, USA

2016-2017 Blue Mountain, Toronto, Canada

2018-2019 Essex, England

2020 No Race

2021-2022 Stratton Mountain ,Vermont, USA

You can find the entire Book of OCR here.

Use code 2024-ORM for all Tough Mudder and Spartan Races for 20 percent off.

Support Us On Patreon for LOTS MORE behind the scenes.

You can listen to the podcast here or the link below.

All other Obstacle Racing Media Links.

Intro  Music – Paul B. Outro Music – Brian Revels.

Bryan returns for the Season 2 Finale of House of the Dragon. The show concluded last night, and we nearly stayed up late to record. However, Matt can't stay up much past the hour of The Eel.

Bryan Darling loves obstacle racing. He also loves the works of George R.R. Martin. So, when his favorite OCR podcaster asked for help, he came running. Enjoy this episode about Matt's current favorite show, with some obstacle racing analogies thrown in wherever possible.

Use code 2024-ORM for all Tough Mudder and Spartan Races for 20 percent off.

Support Us On Patreon for LOTS MORE behind the scenes.

You can listen to the podcast here or the link below.

Follow Bryan on Instagram.

All other Obstacle Racing Media Links.

Julie competed in the Spartan Beast in Utah, securing a 4th place finish, which propelled her to 2nd place in the National Series standings for the year. She had planned to travel to Indiana for the DEKA ULTRA, but the flight delays caused by CrowdStrike prevented her from doing so.

Instead, Julie joined us on the podcast, where she shared her experiences of winning $50,000 on Million Dollar Mile, being disqualified and then reinstated in a 3K race last year, overcoming an injury, parenting, and much more.

Use code 2024-ORM for all Tough Mudder and Spartan Races for 20 percent off.

Support Us On Patreon for LOTS MORE behind the scenes.

Follow  Julie Best on IG.

All other Obstacle Racing Media Links.

Intro  Music – Paul B. Outro Music – Brian Revels.

You can listen to the podcast here.

Bryan Darling comes back for our 2 and 1/2th episode about House Of The Dragon/Game of Thrones

Bryan Darling loves obstacle racing. He also loves the works of George R.R. Martin. So, when his favorite OCR podcaster asked for help, he came running.

Enjoy this episode about Matt's current favorite show, with some obstacle racing analogies thrown in wherever possible.

Use code 2024-ORM for all Tough Mudder and Spartan Races for 20 percent off.

Support Us On Patreon for LOTS MORE behind the scenes.

You can listen to the podcast here.

Follow Bryan on Instagram.

All other Obstacle Racing Media Links.

Stijn Lagrand is on a hot streak lately. He and his team won $40,000 in the Alula 8 hour race back in February. He then took first at the Spartan Beast in Zandvoort, and most recently took home the short course and the long course wins at the OCR Euro Champs in Hungary.

We'll chat about those events plus his thoughts on race rules and how strict marshalling can be frustrating for athletes. Plus, we'll talk the idea of letting athletes practice obstacles beforehand and how that could make races fairer and more exciting.

We'll also touch on possibly competing in the Trifecta World Championships and seeing how he does against the best Spartan racers in the world.

Then I am rejoined by Bryan from House Darling for a deeper dive into S2 E6 of House of the Dragon and House That Dragons Built.

Use code 2024-ORM for all Tough Mudder and Spartan Races for 20 percent off.

Support Us On Patreon for LOTS MORE behind the scenes.

You can listen to the podcast here.

Follow Stijn

All other Obstacle Racing Media Links.

Intro  Music – Paul B. Outro Music – Brian Revels.

Bryan Darling loves obstacle racing. He also loves the works of George R.R. Martin. So, when his favorite OCR podcaster asked for help, he came running.

Enjoy this episode about Matt's current favorite show, with some obstacle racing analogies thrown in wherever possible.

Use code 2024-ORM for all Tough Mudder and Spartan Races for 20 percent off.

Support Us On Patreon for LOTS MORE behind the scenes.

You can listen to the podcast here or the link below.

Follow Bryan on Instagram.

All other Obstacle Racing Media Links.

Intro  Music – Paul B. Outro Music – Brian Revels. (but actually Game of Thrones theme this week)

Leon is back to discuss the latest updates and the OCR European Championships. Joining us for the first time is Chrish, an accomplished OCR athlete, Ninja competitor, and former women's professional football player.

Use code 2024-ORM for all Tough Mudder and Spartan Races for 20 percent off.

Support Us On Patreon for LOTS MORE behind the scenes.

You can listen to the podcast here or the link below.

Follow Chrish and Leon on Instagram.

All other Obstacle Racing Media Links.

Intro  Music – Paul B. Outro Music – Brian Revels.

Why are we still here?? Mike Stefano from Obstacle Running Adventures and Matt B. Davis discuss the many ups and downs they've witnessed (and endured) in ten plus years of OCR.

Has it all been worth it? Will they continue to go on?

Use code 2024-ORM for all Tough Mudder and Spartan Races for 20 percent off.

Support Us On Patreon for LOTS MORE behind the scenes.

You can listen to the podcast here or the link below.

Follow Obstacle Running Adventures.

All other Obstacle Racing Media Links.

Intro  Music – Paul B. Outro Music – Brian Revels.

The Frontline OCR was this past weekend in Byron, Illinois and we were there. We talked with the founder Ed Leon, and several participants. Matt B. Davis also talks about his personal experience during and after the race.

We also have a hybrid event bonus for those of you hybrid curious - A look into The Rocky Mountain Games.

Use code ORM-2024 for all Tough Mudder and Spartan Races for 20 percent off.

Support Us On Patreon for LOTS MORE behind the scenes.

You can listen to the podcast here.

All other Obstacle Racing Media Links.

Intro  Music – Paul B. Outro Music – Brian Revels.

Enjoy today's episode with the following guests:

Francesca Dambruoso, Vice President of FIOCR (Italian OCR Federation) and Race Director for the OCREC24 100 meters race.

Mauro Leoni, President of FIOCR and Event Director for OCREC24.

Stefano Zappa, Board Member of FIOCR, President of ESOF, and Competition Director for OCREC24.

Together, we'll delve into the details of the 2024 OCR European Championships, set to take place from June 12 to 16, 2024, in Folgaria, Alpe Cimbra, Italy.

Check out more here - https://ocreuropeanchampionships.org/

Use code ORM-2024 for all Tough Mudder and Spartan Races for 20 percent off.

Support Us On Patreon for LOTS MORE behind the scenes.

All other Obstacle Racing Media Links.

Intro  Music – Paul B. Outro Music – Brian Revels.

Let's learn about the grueling and exhilarating world of the Endeavor Team Challenge with race director, Denis Dumas. Scheduled for August 24th and 25th, this unique 30+ hour competition covers over 40 miles of California’s scenic Bear Valley, pushing competitors through diverse challenges like the Crucible Road March, Competitor Field, Night Orienteering, and the climactic Final Run.

You can also visit them at the Big Bear Spartan Race, they'll have a booth set up.

Then we talk with Ian Hosek, Vice Chair of USAOCR. We learn all about the brand new 2024 USA OCR Championship they are holding in October in North Georgia in conjunction with Phoenix Races.

Today's show is sponsored by Frontline OCR. Join us in Illinois for one of the best OCR's in the midwest on May 25th in Byron, Illinois.

Follow today's guests: Endeavor Team Challenge and USA OCR.

Use code ORM-2024 for all Tough Mudder and Spartan Races for 20 percent off.

Support Us On Patreon for LOTS MORE behind the scenes.

All other Obstacle Racing Media Links.

Intro  Music – Paul B. Outro Music – Brian Revels and John Wesley Harding.

First up we talk to Matt from VJ along with Alex from Mudgear to talk all about the all new SpeedRuck.

Then, we dive into an exclusive interview with Phillipe Levy from the Belgian Obstacle Racing Federation (BOCRA), as he candidly shares his experiences. Despite promises of support in resources and funding, he reveals how BOCRA felt abandoned by its parent organization, World Obstacle, led by Ian Adamson.

In this revealing discussion, Phillipe unpacks the challenges faced before, during, and after last year's World Obstacle Championship held in Genk.

Today's show is sponsored by Frontline OCR. Join us in Illinois for one of the best OCR's in the midwest on May 25th in Byron, Illinois.

Today's show is also sponsored by: Endeavor Team Challenge

Register now and get 20% OFF for this year’s event hosted in Bear Valley, California, in the Stanislaus National Forest. Enter ORM20 at checkout between now and April 15th, 2024.

Use code ORM-2024 for all Tough Mudder and Spartan Races for 20 percent off.

Support Us On Patreon for LOTS MORE behind the scenes.

All other Obstacle Racing Media Links.

Intro  Music – Paul B. Outro Music – Brian Revels and John Wesley Harding.

First from Spartan Georgia it's RJ Lora, Antonius, Melissa Nuñez and Taryn Terrell,

Follow this week’s guests: See above links.

Today's show is sponsored by: Endeavor Team Challenge

The event takes place in areas selected for their beautiful and challenging terrain. Competitors enjoy scenic panoramas as they move up mountains, rappel down cliffs, and paddle across beautiful alpine reservoirs. Teams work together to accomplish more than they thought possible, and they do it in a safe, professional, and friendly competitive environment.

Register now and get 20% OFF for this year’s event hosted in Bear Valley, California, in the Stanislaus National Forest. Enter ORM20 at checkout between now and April 15th, 2024.

Use code ORM for all Tough Mudder and Spartan Races for 20 percent off.

Support Us On Patreon for LOTS MORE behind the scenes.

All other Obstacle Racing Media Links.

Intro  Music – Paul B. Outro Music – Brian Revels and John Wesley Harding.

Giles Chater, COO of Spartan/Tough Mudder comes on to talk about the return of team money to World's Toughest Mudder, plus a true relay style and other changes.

Follow this week’s guests: Giles Chater

Use code ORM for all Tough Mudder and Spartan Races for 20 percent off.

Support Us On Patreon for LOTS MORE behind the scenes.

All other Obstacle Racing Media Links.

Intro  Music – Paul B. Outro Music – Brian Revels and John Wesley Harding.

Veejay is back to talk about his Alula performance, GOV Games, an update on Spartan payments, potential OCR retirement, and more.

Today's show is sponsored by: Endeavor Team Challenge

The event takes place in areas selected for their beautiful and challenging terrain. Competitors enjoy scenic panoramas as they move up mountains, rappel down cliffs, and paddle across beautiful alpine reservoirs. Teams work together to accomplish more than they thought possible, and they do it in a safe, professional, and friendly competitive environment.

Register now and get 20% OFF for this year’s event hosted in Bear Valley, California, in the Stanislaus National Forest. Enter ORM20 at checkout between now and April 15th, 2024.

Follow this week’s guests: Veejay Jones

Support Us On Patreon for LOTS MORE behind the scenes.

All other Obstacle Racing Media Links.

Intro  Music – Paul B. Outro Music – Brian Revels and John Wesley Harding.

We sat down at or near the ORM tent this past Sunday in Conyers, Georgia for the annual Spartan Race weekend. Listen and enjoy: Scott The Fayne, Lee Ann, Cassidy Nichols Cassandra Gill, Sarah Tucker, Brad Heilwagen, Michael, Wendy and Addie Green, Shell.

Use code ORM20 to save 20 percent on any Tough Mudder or Spartan Race.

Follow this week's guests: (links above).

Support Us On Patreon for LOTS MORE behind the scenes.

All other Obstacle Racing Media Links.

Intro  Music – Paul B. Outro Music – Brian Revels and John Wesley Harding.

Phil joins us to explore his journey through 36 seasons (and counting) of The Amazing Race, the dramatic shifts in television viewing habits over two decades, and being left off from "Paramountain". He also let us know what he's doing while contestants tackle challenges. Last, we'll dive into his new show that seeks to recruit elite athletes.

Terrapin Events sponsor today's episode. We are excited to promote Dirty Leprechaun on March 16th. Awesome local race plus a pancake breakfast!

Also, use Code ORM20 to save 20 percent on any Tough Mudder or Spartan Race

Follow Phil Keoghan.

Support Us On Patreon for LOTS MORE behind the scenes.

All other Obstacle Racing Media Links.

Intro  Music – Paul B. Outro Music – Brian Revels and John Wesley Harding.

Mark Batres, Nicole Mericle, and Kris Rugloski journeyed to the Saudi Arabian desert aiming to secure the top prize of $80,000. Although victory eluded them, they collectively earned $50,000 as Nicole finished 2nd, Mark finished 3rd, and Kris finished 7th. Tune in as we conclude our coverage of the 2024 Tough Mudder Infinity Alua event.

Terrapin Events sponsor today's episode. We are excited to promote Dirty Leprechaun on March 16th. Awesome local race plus a pancake breakfast!

Also use Code ORM20 to save 20 percent on any Tough Mudder or Spartan race.

Follow Nicole, Mark, Natalie, and Kris.

Support Us On Patreon for LOTS MORE behind the scenes.

All other Obstacle Racing Media Links.

Intro  Music – Paul B. Outro Music – Brian Revels and John Wesley Harding.

Ian K is back to discuss news from the last week in OCR including Matt's lack of luggage in AlUla, Ian did a DEKA STRONG, Rugged Maniac closing its doors, and more.

Terrapin Events sponsor today's episode. We are excited to promote Dirty Leprechaun on March 16th. Awesome local race plus a pancake breakfast!

Follow Ian K at UKOCR.

Support Us On Patreon for LOTS MORE behind the scenes.

All other Obstacle Racing Media Links.

Intro  Music – Paul B. Outro Music – Brian Revels and John Wesley Harding.

It finally happened. All the hype is over and the event is on.

Listen as athletes settle in for Friday dinner, then we hear from tons of athletes from the finish line of this epic race.

Full race results here - https://www.obstacleracingmedia.com/featured/alula-tough-mudder-infinity-results/

Support Us On Patreon for LOTS MORE behind the scenes.

All other Obstacle Racing Media Links.

Intro  Music – Paul B. Outro Music – Brian Revels and John Wesley Harding.

Ian joins the show to talk Spartan firings, HYROX rowers, Superbowl commercials, and so much more.

Terrapin Events sponsor today's episode. We are excited to promote Dirty Leprechaun on March 16th. Awesome local race plus a pancake breakfast!

Also Rugged Maniac - The ultimate and muddiest obstacle course and 5K mud run—takes over the US with 25 live events in 2024! With over 3 miles overtaken with 25+ obstacles, the Rugged Maniac course has the most obstacles per mile of any race on the planet. Save 15 percent with code ORM15.

Follow Ian K on Instagram.

Support Us On Patreon for LOTS MORE behind the scenes.

All other Obstacle Racing Media Links.

Intro  Music – Paul B. Outro Music – Brian Revels and John Wesley Harding.

Veejay Jones and Natalie Miano join forces with host Matt B. Davis to share their insights on the upcoming $480,000 Tough Mudder Infinity event set for the 24th.

As part of a four-person team, Veejay will be in the thick of the competition in AlUla, with Natalie on the sidelines cheering for her husband and WTM record holder, Mark Batres.

The trio will offer their expert analysis on key contenders across the men's, women's, and team divisions.

The full list of athletes heading to AlUla for the event can be accessed here:

https://www.obstacleracingmedia.com/featured/tough-mudder-alula-infinity-participant-update/

Follow Veejay on Instagram.

Follow Natalie on Instagram.

Support Us On Patreon for LOTS MORE behind the scenes.

All other Obstacle Racing Media Links.

Intro  Music – Paul B. Outro Music – Brian Revels and John Wesley Harding.

Fontaine has been writing for ORM for many years. She joins us today to talk about photography, OCR in the Northwest, being married to an obstacle racer, and more.

Terrapin Events sponsor today's episode. We are excited to promote two races coming up soon. My Muddy Valentine on February 10 and Dirty Leprechaun on March 16th.

Also by Rugged Maniac - The ultimate and muddiest obstacle course and 5K mud run—takes over the US with 25 live events in 2024! With over 3 miles overtaken with 25+ obstacles, the Rugged Maniac course has the most obstacles per mile of any race on the planet. Save 15 percent with code ORM15.

Follow Fontaine on Instagram.

Support Us On Patreon for LOTS MORE behind the scenes.

All other Obstacle Racing Media Links.

Intro  Music – Paul B. Outro Music – Brian Revels

Veejay wants an old-school jam for the Pan American Spartan Champs. Matt does not know how to handle the cold. Veejay is 1-1 in field goal attempts. So much more.

Support Us On Patreon for LOTS MORE behind the scenes.

All other Obstacle Racing Media Links.

Intro  Music – Paul B. Outro Music – Brian Revels

Nick might be less visible on the course until later this year, yet this doesn't diminish his happiness. Stay tuned to discover how he's embracing his roles as a full-time teacher and track coach.

Terrapin Events sponsor today's episode. We are excited to promote two races coming up soon. My Muddy Valentine on February 10 and Dirty Leprechaun on March 16th.

Also by Rugged Maniac - The ultimate and muddiest obstacle course and 5K mud run—takes over the US with 25 live events in 2024! With over 3 miles overtaken with 25+ obstacles, the Rugged Maniac course has the most obstacles per mile of any race on the planet. Save 15 percent with code ORM15.

Follow Nick on Instagram.

Support Us On Patreon for LOTS MORE behind the scenes.

All other Obstacle Racing Media Links.

Intro  Music – Paul B. Outro Music – Brian Revels

Check out this interview with European OCR Champion Leon Kofoed. He tells us about his plans for 2024, which may be his final OCR season. First, we deep dive into a 2023 Championship Season recap. Plus a preview of the AlUla Saudi Arabia race with his team of studs.

Today's episode is sponsored by Terrapin Events. We are excited to promote two races coming up soon. My Muddy Valentine on February 10 and Dirty Leprechaun on March 16th.

Follow Leon on Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/leonkofoed_/.

Support Us On Patreon for LOTS MORE behind the scenes.

All other Obstacle Racing Media Links.

Intro  Music – Paul B. Outro Music – Brian Revels

Veejay is back to talk gas station self-surgery, hip-hop origins, Spartan Tea, A House Divided, Breaking Bad, getting hit in the head with obstacles, what races he'll hit in 2024, and much more.

Today's episode is sponsored by Rugged Maniac - $5 off registration with code ORM24.
5K course. Awesome obstacles. Plus this year's shirts are venue-specific and look cool as hell.

Support Us On Patreon for LOTS MORE behind the scenes.

All other Obstacle Racing Media Links.

Intro  Music – Paul B. Outro Music – Brian Revels

And you may find yourself as the host of a strange new sport called obstacle racing.

And you may ask yourself "Well, how did I get here?!"

Today's episode is the chapter before the other chapters. We dive in with someone who started as the first employee of the famed staffing company and ended up a life long friend.

Today's episode is sponsored by Rugged Maniac - Score 15% off your @ruggedmaniac registration, plus snag a FREE can koozie! 🙌 Just use code RMNYE24 at checkout until January 7th.

Support Us On Patreon for LOTS MORE behind the scenes.

All other Obstacle Racing Media Links.

Intro  Music – Paul B. Outro Music – Brian Revels

Ian K from UKOCR and STFK from I Am A Spartan Podcast check in on the latest Spartan changes including paying for photos, not getting paid for winning, Matt’s appearance on WTF, and more.

Don’t forget to Support Us On Patreon to help us continue bringing you exciting content.

Instagram Links To Follow:

I Am A Spartan Podcast

UK OCR 

YouTube Channel:

Explore more content on our ORM YouTube Channel for additional insights and behind-the-scenes footage.

Listen:

You can listen to the podcast here.