By Bianca Coleman
Cape Town - The Grind Indoor Sprint Obstacle Course Race at Bellville Velodrome, Cape Town, this Saturday will challenge all sportspeople: whether they are athletes, gymnasts, martial arts practitioners or fit amateurs.
Apparently this concept is quite the phenomenon; an obstacle course race tests each competitor to the limit.
It’s based on the principles of steeplechase combined with elements of the military, and the downright insane. Obstacle course racing is the ultimate test of speed, endurance and, when required, explosive power.
A winding, climbing, diving track that covers a kilometre will be constructed. Spread over that distance will be 15 spectacular obstacles to challenge the mind, body and no doubt soul of each athlete. All obstacles will be in full view of the spectators, which will keep everybody up to date on the athletes, the times they post, the participating celebrities and all the other information required to ensure complete participation in the process.
Mat Bartlett, The Grind founder, says they are expecting challenges from all quarters - rugby teams challenging other teams, gym branches challenging one another, individuals challenging friends. “The Indoor Obstacle Course Race isn’t for professionals only: this is for everybody who loves a challenge and is up to having a great deal of fun, too.”
Being familiar with the Velodrome, I asked Bartlett how a course of this size would fit. “Good question!” he replied. “The course starts just outside the Velodrome, and then once inside it twists and turns and also goes up and down, and uses more space than just the arena.
“It may seem difficult to fit a full kilometre course inside the Drome, but it is bigger than one would imagine, and by utilising some of the seating area as well as meandering around the arena, it all fits in. The challenges are to make sure the obstacles are placed in such a way as to not impede other obstacles and to ensure a consistent flow for competitors.
“The sequence of obstacles is important too, and without giving too much away there is a grand finale which will occupy centre stage. It has to be placed to be the main attraction - and visible to spectators, but still allow contestants who have finished the course to be able to leave without impeding the following groups.”
Entrants will be participating in groups of about 15, setting off every five or 10 minutes from 9am. The top half in each heat will advance to the next rounds. Thus numbers will be whittled down to the top 30 male and female competitors for the semi-final at 7pm, followed by the final. Anyone can enter although Bartlett says the top athletes will most likely take the honours and the R10 000 cash prize
“But the main focus is on fitness, health and fun for everybody, regardless of age or sporting discipline.
“Participation is the key, and the focus is on enjoyment.”
For those too young to cover a kilometre of challenges there will be a seven-obstacle Little G “whippersnapper” course which will have a lumo theme with UV lights and glow sticks available for purchase.
It will be open all day (cost R80) and every participant in The Little G will get a medal. Children up to the age of 10 can do the course as many times as they like.
In addition there will be face painting as well as a jumping castle for the toddlers.
There will be many food options at reasonable prices, says Bartlett.
“We take pride in quality food at our events, and will have the guys from Tailgate Foods offering their amazing bacon bites and rib,” he says
“As an aside, the Springboks take on Ireland at 5pm and we will be showing the rugby in our Riot Beer Garden. “
l Contestant entries are limited to 500 (register at www.thegrindrace.com/events.html ), and spectator seating is pegged at 1 500. Spectator tickets are R30 for adults (13 years and over) and R20 for children 6-13.
To secure tickets in advance email [email protected] For more information go to www.thegrindrace.com/upcoming.html For online competitions with tickets up for grabs see The Grind FaceBook page.
Weekend Argus