OCD FOR OCR

After spending a very enjoyable and rewarding morning in Hoboken at City Challenge, the time came for me to jump on the New Jersey Turnpike and zoom down to the Gloucester County Fairgrounds for another event, Goliathon. I’ve heard only good things about Goliathon for a while, but never had the opportunity to partake until now.

While I was delayed in my arrival, due to staying for the award ceremony at City Challenge (my first podium win in an OCR, I just couldn’t resist) and the variables of New Jersey traffic on a gorgeous Fall Saturday, I was graciously afforded an exciting first taste of a unique event, I want to make a point of attending, the next time it is offered (which will be in June so I don’t have to wait a full year, yay!!!).

Goliathon is a non-profit event that occurs twice a year. Entirely volunteer-led and operated, proceeds are utilized to help people gain access to clean water in developing countries throughout the world. You can read in detail about how the efforts of this event have had a global impact here. 

• Registration and Festival

My check in experience went as well as can be expected given the circumstances, I arrived looking for the check-in to learn it was already taken down. Staff worked with me and got me into a group doing the course that was about 4 or 5 obstacles in. Whew (thank you Goliathon)!!!The festival area had a lot of music and activity for a small, independent event.  Even after I finished and things were being taken down, I saw a group of people clog dancing under a pavilion. I also got the opportunity to try my hand at a 50-foot rope climb. I learned that it was not only a challenging festival area activity, but also served as the tie breaker for the champion of the day among the three athletes who achieved “David” status, which is when one completes all obstacles at the G3 level and earns a perfect score. There were a couple food vendors who had set up shop as well.

• Pre-Race MC:

Unfortunately, I missed out on this entirely. I couldn’t tell you if he or she sang a song, did back-flips, parachuted to the start line or simply grumbled “3, 2, 1, go”. My fault, I know, but I hope to rectify it in June. 

• The Course

The race is set up like most obstacle course races, I have participated in over the years, in the sense that it weaves in and out of the woods, up small hills, across trails and there were about a dozen obstacles. However, the similarities end there. First, there is no traditional timing apart from participants being given a four-hour time limit to complete the course and get credit for completing obstacles (which is plenty).All ranking and scoring is based upon points awarded for successful obstacle completion. If you’re a ninja athlete or simply someone drawn to OCR for the challenge of the obstacles themselves, yet grudgingly tolerate the running, this is the event for you! Each obstacle has three levels, labeled and color coded as G1, G2 and G3.

G1 is attainable by just about anyone on the course, but yields the least reward in terms of points. G2 is within reach of the average competitive OCR athlete, but it’s no guarantee, increasing the risk/reward (points) factor over the G1 level. Then there is the G3 level, offering the most points per clear. The organizers actively seek to make G3 the most challenging obstacles in the sport. Since I was only doing part of the course and was not seeking to be competitive, I tried a number of the G3 obstacles.  Often, they were far more unique than their G1 and G2 counterparts and I just had to try my mettle.For instance, let’s take a look at the rope climb obstacle: G1 was a rope ladder, akin to that leading out of the water onto the bridge for the Tarzan Swing at the Killington Spartan Beast. G2 was a traditional rope climb with a bell to ring at the top. I knew I could easily do all those so G3 had the most allure. Choosing G3, meant you climbed up a rope with a 40-pound chain on your shoulders. That part proved doable.  Challenging but doable for sure. But then there was a catch. To ring the bell and get the G3 band (more about the bands in a bit) you could only ring the bell by hitting the bell with the chain. Easier said than done, as you had to figure out a way to stay on the rope with your hands free to do the job and not drop the chain. I came up short, as I did with each G3 obstacle attempt I made that day (goals set for next time).

Strategy really does come into play with the point system as you are only allowed one scoring attempt at each obstacle station. Once you begin the obstacle level of your choice, you get one shot. No do-overs, no working at it until you “get it” and no chickening out and doing the lower level that you know you have in the bag. This brings forth the question of whether you play it safe and collect the points, or go big for the maximum points at the risk of ending up with a zero if your strength falls short or you make a mistake.Among the obstacles was a cameo appearance by Larry Cooper’s infamous Destroyer obstacle. I was successful on the G2 version, which I believe was my first time successfully making it over this obstacle at all. 

All of the complex score-keeping is handled by an elaborate software system that involved a phone app run by the volunteers where they zap your wristband and give your account the requisite credit. Nonparticipants can also download the app that enables them to track the progress of their loved ones, heroes or “frenemies” post event, I also saw a screen with excellent chart graphics showing the performance of the top finishers. All told, I’ve never been so impressed by the IT at a race, especially at what I thought was a small charity race.

• The Bling:

I received a nice finisher medal shaped like what else, but a water drop, as apropos for the reason this event exists. The finisher shirt, which I must add is super comfortable, has the race logo on the front and also states the benefactor of the event proceeds on the back, making it all the more meaningful. Lastly, I must add that each successful obstacle completion gains a participant a silicone band matching the color of the obstacle level completed. I saw many colorful wrists, both during and after the race.  Instead of trying to “keep” your band, you earn “all the bands” at Goliathon!

• Overall Feeling:

Goliathon is a unique event that straddles the worlds of obstacle course racing and ninja competitions. I for one, definitely ate a slice of humble pie after having great success at another race just a few hours prior. I look forward to a future appearance to see where and how I can improve and also to support the noble cause that this event stands for. I rate this event five out of five stars!

Article Written by: Brian Kellogg, OCR Aficionado.