Obstacle course racing (OCR) is a sport in which a competitor, travelling on foot, must overcome various physical challenges in the form of obstacles. Mud and trail runs are combined and the races are designed to result in mental and physical collapse.
Obstacle course races vary in size, impact, and purpose but they all involve sharing a passion and a love for the sport and the great outdoors.
Local resident Mandie Landsberg is 34 years old, and a competitor like no other. She started her OCR journey two years ago, when she watched a race. After the race, she met up with some of the competitors and immediately decided that she wanted to compete too.
Even though the sport is not well-known in South Africa, it is practised worldwide. The Elite race, which Mandie competes in, is approximately 20 km long and takes about two hours to finish. The race contains between 30 and 50 obstacles and the athlete can quit at any time.
“If you fall or if you quit you are out of the race,” said Mandie.
Obstacles include, but are not limited to, climbing over walls, carrying heavy objects, traversing bodies of water, crawling under barbed wire, and jumping through fire. Many obstacles are similar to those used in military training, while others are unique to obstacle racing and are employed throughout the course to test endurance, strength and speed.
According to Mandie, it’s a mental race and the athlete never knows whether or not he will be able to finish the course. Mandie told the Herald she practises five times a week for two hours. She also tries to compete in two races each month.
Mandie is very privileged as she has her own obstacle course at home where she can practise on a daily basis. She added that every race is different and you are not allowed to see the obstacles before the race.
Even though she is a mother, a wife and has a household to run, she is no quitter. She believes that people can do whatever they set their minds to.
“I have a very big support group, especially in my family,” said Mandie.
Mandie was recently selected to participate in the World Championships that will take place in Canada during October 2017.
“I am very excited as only five athletes are selected for the South African team,” said Mandie.
Mandie told the Herald that she is living her dream and that she wants to inspire other people to set their minds on a goal and go for it.
To become an obstacle racer, an athlete has to have a few characteristics:
• Strength
• Determination
• Endurance
• Momentum
Mandie also wants to encourage everyone to get active, set their goals, and get going. Community members who would like to assist Mandie with funds for the World championships can contact her via mandielandsberg@gmail.com.
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