Iron Farmer was a small event located in Phillipston, MA at the Red Apple Farm, put on by Fitness Concepts Health Club and Crossfit 696 out of Gardner, MA. It was an event advertised as a sprint distance that would be scattered with farm tough tasks and obstacles. Participants could choose to run timed competitive ($50 Early Bird / $60 after November 1st) or non-competitive ($35 Early Bird / $45 after November 1st). The competitive heat was timed and had prizes for the top 3 males and females.
Upon arrival, parking could be found on site at the orchard. After parking, it was a very short walk down to the barn where registration was set up. It was an easy, quick, in and out. I gave my name, got my bib, and was off to find some friends.
I will say, this event was unlike anything that I have participated to date. But it was a lot of fun! The competitive wave went off at 10:00 am and Non-Competitive followed fifteen minutes later.The course was 2.7 miles comprised of a 0.54 mile loop that athletes would repeat five times. Each lap brought the runner back to the start where we would have to complete one tire flip followed by another task or obstacle. After the first lap the task was an apple carry around a short loop. The second lap consisted of moving a square bale into a wheelbarrow, looping up around a row of trees, then back where we would return the bale to the pile. Any broken bales consisted of a burpee penalty (I must say, it appeared all hay bales survived!) The third lap was a bucket carry. Runners had to fill the bucket 3/4 full before carrying it another small loop before dumping it. On the fourth lap runners had to jump over large round bales. One could opt for burpees if they could not hurtle over the bales, followed by the final 0.54 mile loop. The snow left by Thursday night’s storm gave the added challenge of snow and mud.
Something key to note is that this event was not a typical OCR. It was more of an outdoor challenge. Any level could participate in this event and find success. There were all ages present and participating. This is an event that I would definitely recommend for beginners and families.
All participants received an Iron Farmer medal upon completion of the event.
Afterwards participants were invited to go back to the barn where the Red Apple Farm was hosting their Thanksgiving Harvest Festival. The Harvest Festival included plenty of food and drink options as well as crafting vendors. It was up at the festival where the winners of the competitive heat were announced. Each of the top three received apple pies as their awards.
Over all, this was a small but fun event. I would definitely recommend it to anyone who wants to just get out there and have a little fun.
