Endurance Events and OCR Sport - Part 2: Agoge, Reborn or Die, The Unknown

In Part One of the "excursion" into the world of endurance, our friends from DIRTRUN COMPANY showed you the entry into the intense side of OCR sports through the relatively "gentle" Hurricane Heats. In Part 2 of the series, it's now about the elite class. In the formats in this part, factors like physical conditioning, mental strength, leadership qualities, as well as improvisational skills contribute to successfully facing the challenges.

And above all, the universal statement reigns: "If you have questions, you're not ready!"

Spartan Agoge

Following Part 1, let's take a brief look back into the world of Spartan Race. Joe De Sena quickly pursued more than just the goal of creating a globally successful obstacle course racing series with his concept of Spartan Race. In collaboration with sports scientists and medical professionals, he developed a holistic training methodology that shapes both the mind and body. All with the aim of creating a better person who knows how to prove themselves in daily life in any situation. Admittedly, that sounds very American lofty, but if you leave out all the marketing blabber, it does have a certain appeal.

The Spartan Agoge leans very closely, as you might already recognize, to the Greek history of the original Spartans. A very strict, demanding, and comprehensive training with the goal of forging morally strong elite fighters for the defense of Sparta.

The modern interpretation of Spartan Race sees a 60-hour ordeal in its final stage, during which the 4 pillars flow into various tasks:

• Intent

To have a clear idea of what the AGOGE is about, what one wants to achieve, and how one wants to live

• Commitment

To give meaning to one's life and lead it healthily

• Resilience

To adapt to the circumstances of one's environment and overcome stress

• Knowledge

To expand one's knowledge through facts and gained/experienced experiences

The first Agoges took place as summer and winter versions exclusively in Pittsfield Vermont (USA). In 2016, the radius of the event was extended worldwide, allowing participants to take part in an AGOGE at historically significant locations. In recent years, locations like Iceland, China with the Great Wall, Tokyo, and The Isle of Skye have been on the Agoge World Tour list.

Spartan AGOGE

Reborn or Die

A very martial name that, in a sense, comes true. Don't worry, death does not await participants at these events, only early elimination at most. The former Spanish paratrooper Antonio Marcos founded the "Reborn or Die" series in 2014, specializing solely in endurance events. The goal here is relatively simple... Those who seek to push their personal limits and overcome them to some extent, are in the right place at RoD.

Prior to the events, there is little concrete information available. The usual gear list and the location are provided, but not much more. The regulations mainly emphasize getting familiar with the environment (topography, transportation, etc.).

Spread across various event lengths (4 to 60 hours) throughout Europe, participants can test their personal limits. While the 4 to 24-hour versions are characterized by collectively achieved success, the 36+ versions change that completely. Here, participants who are not up to the requirements are eliminated, and there are rumors of a finisher rate of only about 40%.

Death Experience 36h Slovakia

The focus here is on the endurance of the individual, and ultimately there is a "winner". The most versatile, smartest, and most enduring participant receives a trophy with a hand-carved skull and an entry on RoD's Wall of Fame.

Reborn or Die

The Unknown

England is not only the birthplace of football but also the country with a relatively long history in obstacle course racing. In 1987, the first edition of the Tough Guy race took place, marking the beginning of a megatrend in the United Kingdom. Today, in 2018, the UK has the highest density of obstacle course and similar events in Europe.

One of these is "The Unknown". The Unknown is part of the Judgement Day race series and takes the commonly practiced style in the English-speaking world (higher, wilder, further) to the next level. Before the event, all you know is that it takes place in England, lasts 36 hours, and there are only about 75 spots available. After registration, you receive 2 emails: one with the equipment list and the second with the meeting point.

If, despite the warnings/hints about the upcoming extreme experience, you decide to participate, you should be very sure of your decision. Reports from past editions reveal that, in addition to countless physical and mental challenges, participants had to cover about 70 km with an elevation gain of 2,800 meters. Of course, this is not your traditional running. Running in sand, running in water, running with a 20 kg sandbag, running with a log.

To challenge the psyche equally, participants are not treated kindly and live their lives during the race as a number. Hunger and fatigue as constant companions give certain tasks a very special charm. Known for very absurd challenges, participants can expect tasks such as running the distance of a half marathon (21.1 km) exclusively on a partially up to 30-degree steep sand dune. Which means going up and down 70 times. In between, there are requirements like rolling down the hill or climbing up backward. Always under a time constraint.

The Unknown 2017

Judgement Day

What's In It for You?

This is probably the most frequently asked/questioned when it comes to endurance events. For some, it's the thrill of trying a new challenge, for others, it's a passion, and for some, it's simply an escape from the boring office life. However, all these events have one thing in common. They offer the non-(special)operations interested individual the opportunity to immerse themselves in the adventurous world of physical/mental exhaustion for a manageable period of time. Fine-tuned and usually with increasing doses, there is certainly a competition style and length that fits.

HERE is Part 1 of the Endurance series.

The DIRTRUN COMPANY on the Internet: www.dirtrun.company

Special THX to Florian!