* From: Antonio Anaya
* Event Details
parking was really close and shuttle was very fast, even my toddler had the best time raiding the School Bus
* Race Details
it was a great race and a lot of fun, just at the finish line was a little bit tricky and pretty empty, no medal? For my first OCR this was an awesome experience 🙂
* Rating
Excellent
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* From: Nicole Landry
* Event Details
So, I’ve never done a race review, but I’ll give it my best shot! The parking was well organized, except for the part that I didn’t realize it was going to be past the event, and then we would be shuttled back. I should have, because it makes perfect sense. The attendants were friendly, the bus drivers were friendly, and the Police officers were friendly. Same day registration went smoothly, and I was able to get into whatever wave I wanted, so was really happy with that. Love the tee, and loved that they gave me a choice of color! I didn’t really pay attention to the vendors (sorry)…I just wasn’t looking for anything extra today.
* Race Details
The course was awesome! I haven’t participated in an OCR since Mayhem 2014, and I was a little concerned about whether this course would take me down. It was the PERFECT course for me to run to get back into things! The obstacles were easy enough to keep the family friendly theme, and to keep my confidence up, but hard enough that I felt like I was accomplishing something with each one I finished. Those dang monkey bars…I made it halfway across…I will conquer you, monkey bars!! The trail itself was challenging for me, since I am a self-proclaimed non-runner 🙂 But it also showed me the areas that I need to work on (hills, hills, and more hills), which from an athletic perspective, I really appreciated. The course was well laid out, and well marked (except where the A-frames started…there was a little confusion about how we were “supposed” to get to them). The volunteers were all great, cheering me on, which towards the end, kept me going! The water station and the snacks at the
end were also much appreciated.
Overall, I would totally recommend this to anyone just getting into OCRs or anyone who likes a more laid back approach to a fun run. Fantastic job!
* Rating
Excellent
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* From: Stephanie O’Keefe
* Event Details
They had us park in a designated spot about a mile away from the event. They had shuttles throughout the day bringing people back and forth to the event. ALL the volunteers were SO fantastic. They were all positive, helpful and witty which is my favorite. By my fifth lap they were giving me crap about coming around AGAIN. I enjoyed the little swag bag they gave us, the hand sanitizing spray was a different little goodie and the shirts are nice quality. The event had convenient bathroom access and everything was very easy to find.
* Race Details
Alright, so can I just say how pleasantly surprised I was by this race. My mom and I are competing in the Race local series and we planned on doing 2 or 3 laps. Yeah, well we ended up doing 5 laps which was totally awesome. Each time we finished, it was so easy to go over to the Race local registration table, pay the fee and sign up for another heat. We were able to take a 10 minute break between each lap which was just enough. The course was perfect for beginners and people going for multiple laps. The hills weren’t strenuous but there were some little hills there. They had a bunch of obstacles; including a super awesome water slide into the pond which felt SO good given it was like 85 all day! They had a hercules hoist with a tire, there were a lot of walls, hurdles and a bucket carry after you filled it up at the pond! For the most part the course was flat and through the woods, which I really enjoyed and took advantage of. We will definitely be coming back next year. Overall one of the most positive OCR experiences I have had! Everything was fantastic!!
* Rating
Above Average
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* From: Amy Lillis
* Event Details
Every detail of this race was well thought out. Parking was about 2 miles down the road, but there were huge signs pointing us in the right direction and plenty of volunteers at the parking lot. The shuttle bus arrived just after I did, so I walked right on for an easy trip to the venue. We were on the very last shuttle out of the race, but as I ran by it seemed like there was always a bus ready to be filled for those people going home.
The schwag was only a t-shirt. The race donates every single penny to charity, so there was no medal. They were selling sweatshirts and I think there were a couple of vendors, but I honestly didn’t spend enough time at the festival area to really see anything.
The best thing about this race was definitely the customer service. As part of the Grand Prix, they offered additional timed laps for $10 apiece. This has been difficult to manage at some other races, but Wason Pond Pounder has it dialed in. They had a separate table with a sign that read “#racelocal” so it was easily located. There were always two people at the table ready to take care of us. We just ran over with our $10 (cash or check) and filled out a short form with name, address, date of birth, and which wave we were jumping into. They gave us a timing chip, noted the bib number on our form, and we were off. It literally took all of 90 seconds to complete the process. Well done!
* Race Details
The course wasn’t exceptionally difficult, but it certainly was fun. There were rolling hills in the woods, and a lot of standard obstacles – hurdles, over/under/throughs, tire carry, military crawl, balance beam, monkey bars, hoist, slide into the pond, cargo nets, hay bales. What they do, they do well. I wouldn’t change a thing about the course. It was well marked and there were plenty of very friendly volunteers out there all day.
Although I don’t normally travel 2.5 hours for a short, easy race, the amazing customer service and fun course means that I’ll be back again next year for sure!
* Rating
Excellent
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* From: Lisa Cullity
* Event: Wason Pond Pounder
* Event Details
parking was free and easy – short shuttle ride to race site. plenty of port o johns on site. I didn’t see any vendors – but the local fire brigade was on site selling hot cookout style food at good prices. Schwag was a T-shirt – no medals – I personally prefer bling, as I almost never wear generic cotton t shirts for any reason – but this is a charity event – and I do not expect luxury giveaways at these type events. Sign in was very easy – no waiting. staff was friendly and helpful.
* Race Details
course was well laid out – and just plain fun. If you are looking for a monstrous athletic challenge – this is not the race for you. If you are looking to have a very nice run through a cute park, former campground, with fun obstacles – then this race delivers. a great first obstacle race, or wonderful family and friends event. Obstacles were creative and on the less challenging side – Rukus or Warrior dash difficulty. I personally liked the water slide.
* Rating
Above Average
