Savage Race & Blitz – Ohio – June 8 & 9, 2019
“The best obstacles. The perfect distance.” This has been Savage’s motto since their inaugural event in 2012. And, in my opinion, they live up to it. There are 2 distances/events: Savage Race, which is 6+ miles held on Saturday and Savage Blitz, which is roughly half the distance if the full Savage Race and is held on Sunday. Both now have both Pro and Open waves
- Registration and Festival:
This has got to be one of the easiest and quickest sign-in processes out there. When you arrive, your bib # is already pre-assigned. You find your name on the large list of competitors, fill out the paper waiver, go to the registration line corresponding to your bib #, and they have your package already for you. Done and done.
A very lively area with plenty to keep you occupied. Merch tents, sponsors, food trucks, and more. There’s post-race showers and changing areas. You’re even able to purchase a future race at a discounted price. The emcee (Jeff) keeps all attendees from getting bored….with lively music, trivia contests, and friendly banter.
- Pre-race MC:
Both days, the MC was Matty T who as always, did a great job getting the racers pumped for the upcoming race. As I have come to expect, he got everyone involved both vocally and physically and sent the waves out fired up and smiling.
- The Course:
Of all their events, Ohio is the location with the most elevation. After a few up and downs, the course settles into a vast flatter section for about 2-3 miles before heading back up for one final ascent. The terrain itself has a bit of everything: grass, mud, water crossing, rocks, and some technical trails.
Scattered throughout are 25+ obstacles, ranging from simple walls and crawls to angles monkey bars, hanging ropes, spinning wheels, and a big-ass water slide.
The Savage Blitz is roughly the same course but without the flat section. Both are great events.
- The Bling:
Savage continues to change up their medals each year. Always improving. Each competitor receives a finisher medal, shirt, and one free beer. Competitors in the Pro Wave compete for awards in Overall, Masters(40+), and 5-year Age Group categories. The pro wave is also mandatory obstacle completion, meaning you can make as many attempts as necessary to succeed in order to keep your wristband.
They also have a Savage Syndicate medal. Complete 2 events and receive a large spinning medal and a medal for each subsequent event you run. That’s some major hardware!!
- Overall Feelings and Event Rating:
I would rate Savage Race a 5 out of 5 and I’ll tell you why.
- They always strive to improve…whether it be course design, obstacles, media coverage, sponsors, medals, merch, or media coverage. They ask participants their opinions. And they listen.
- The event is very well run and maintained.
- The owners are always at the race site on race day. That gives it their personal touch.
- They care. They listen. And they deliver.
There are very few races that stand out for this runner and Savage is among the top of that short list. Highly recommended.
Article Written by: John Cross