I arrived the afternoon before to pick up my race packet and conduct a Facebook live preview of the race. Not only were we given notice of one of their new signature obstacles, the racers were put on notice that this was going to be the first course layout done by the venerable Norm Koch. I’m here to tell you, he pulled no stops. For those of you who only heard cursory details: Yes, we were racing through the new F1 race track in Austin, TX. Yes, the track was open and there were crazy awesome cars doing live laps literally as we started the race and through the whole day. Finally, Yes, we did go through a crazy bushwhacked thicket section where norm left a couple trees with his signature chainsaw writing.
I can’t applaud Bonefrog enough for really exploring and utilizing all the best areas for this race. Bonefrog runs three simultaneous distances Sprint (3-miles), Challenge (8 miles) and Tier 1 (11-ish miles). Since I’m a glutton for punishment, I signed up for Tier 1. The first split for the Challenge and Tier 1 runners was very clearly marked and easily seen. Once in the thicket, we all realized our folly: We were running through brush, in Texas, in April. I’m quite glad I had my Mudgear compression socks, otherwise I would have been rocking the new “Skinless” look on my shins. We went off course a couple times, that was mainly due to the wind blowing the pink marking tape into the branches they were tied too. Stupid nature…
Pre
I have only two points in which to improve. At the obstacle 31 Heros, we were to do 31, 8-count bodybuilders while reading down a list of names. This is great as it breaks up the race and forces you to max out, and then try to recover quickly. During this obstacle, there a few guys who obviously did not go through the entire list before carrying on. With one volunteer there, it’s impossible for that person to be able to keep tabs on that many people all starting at different times going at differing rates. I’d recommend having 4 lanes, and at least 4 volunteers that way it’s easier to keep track of the competitive racers and DQ anyone who tries to short. Second is the handling of the second sprint lap for the Tier 1 racers. There was a marked turnaround spot for us to go through the last three miles again. Thing is, it’s an honor system. For a while I was second place in the official timing because someone decided to just cut the course and go home. At the Tier 1 relapse, I’d recommend a volunteer there with a table of blue silicon wristbands. This way they have a verified visual identifier that they did in fact, run the extra Sprint lap and can mark accordingly. I spoke to the staff about the 31 Heros obstacle, and they were highly receptive to the suggestion and were quite thankful for the feedback. This is a great team who only wants to improve, and I wish them the best.
This being my first ever Bonefrog Challenge, it felt amazing. It brought back the original OCR feels of “what the hell is next?” Their obstacles are different and challenging. Their hiring of Norm Koch means their courses are guaranteed to be brutal. Having Coach Payne as MC means every single person running the course is going to feel like a damn superhero. If you don’t already have a Bonefrog Challenge on your race calendar, find a way to add it. You’ll thank me for it later.
Rating 4.25/5
Have you done a Bonefrog Challenge? Leave your own Bonefrog Challenge review and feedback…