High-intensity and fast-paced. Action-packed and physically and mentally challenging. One heart-pumping sport checks all these boxes.
“OCR (Obstacle Course Race) is very challenging, and it has balance; whether you are a lifter or a runner, the playing field is leveled that you are neither ahead nor behind since you have to battle your way throughout the course to the finish line,” shares Chloe Jane Ong, a triathlete.
OCR involves overcoming various physical challenges in the form of obstacles. It includes hurdles that test strength and coordination, such as carrying heavy objects, climbing up ropes, scaling walls, or navigating monkey bars. The environment also adds challenge to the sport, as the terrain could be wet, slippery, and muddy with the temperature being hot or freezing.
OCR has already exploded onto the scene what with the growing number of athletes joining many races in the country and abroad, happening throughout the year.
Ong shares she has been hooked to the sport because of its action-packed challenges.
Meanwhile, Patricia Castillo, a former member of a dragon boat racing team, considers OCR as the most electrifying sport she has ever participated in as it requires mental and physical endurance.
“I’ve joined different sporting events, and for me, OCR is, indeed, more exciting,” enthuses Castillo. “It’s not a stagnant sport with only one movement; you are expected to run and then, conquer obstacles. You also don’t know the obstacle you’ll see next so, there is excitement and challenge if you can do it or not. There is the varied cross-training, you gain more friends, and meet a lot of people.”
Despite being perceived as a tough race, Ong said that OCR is a sport for everyone. Just like any other physical activity, it is beneficial to health since it is a brisk exercise that strengthens the bones, works every muscle, helps brain function, and is good for the heart.
“OCR involves movement throughout the body. It is a vigorous sport that tests your body and mind to its limits. It also motivates and gives you a feeling of accomplishment whenever you overcome the obstacles,” adds Ong.
Castillo, on the other hand, likens OCR to a big playground for adults.
“I encourage everyone, especially gym-goers and fitness enthusiasts, to join the open events so they can experience it. The obstacles can be hard, but it is only a matter of a familiarization. Once you get the hang of it, then you’ll get to enjoy the sport.”
Ong and Castillo recently qualified and competed at the Spartan World Championship on Sept. 28-29 in North Lake Tahoe.
Qualified athletes from more than 30 countries joined in the competition, considered the highest and toughest OCR event.
“With elite athletes competing all over the world, this is our most challenging OCR to date. We trained hard because the mental and physical demand that this race requires is different,” explains Ong.
Aside from the obstacles, the cold -5°C temperature also added to the challenge. “I was at the Spartan World Champions last year for the group category, and it was tough. But this time, it was tougher with the cold temperature adding to the challenge,” relates Castillo.
Ong and Castillo needed to level up their preparations for the championships, with intense training, weight lifting, leg strengthening for climbs, and practicing obstacles so that their body and mind can endure the terrain and challenges during the Spartan race.
Ken Tan, the coach of the country’s national OCR team, helped them in preparing for the race.
“Aside from physical training, we also have to consider the proper diet. We also take supplements, like the Santé Boost Coffee with Tongkat-ali, which helped us increase our overall energy and metabolism, as well as to enhance our physical performance and increase muscle strength,” shares Ong.
The OCR athletes both consider their Spartan World Championship journey as a huge achievement.
“As members of the Sante Barley OCR team, we are proud to represent the Philippines and, to qualify for such competition feels like an achievement already,” enthuses Castillo.
Ong and Castillo are among the members of Santé Barley OCR Team, which is the second sports team under the brand with Santé Barley Tri-team being the first, founded seven years ago.