About OCRA.
The national body for obstacle sport in Ireland
The Obstacle Course Racing Association of Ireland — OCRA ÉIREANN — is the national organisation for the development and promotion of obstacle sport in Ireland. Everywhere else on this site we just say OCRA.
Our role runs the whole width of the sport, from someone trying their first obstacle race to an athlete representing Ireland at a World Championship. We are a non-profit, volunteer-led organisation, incorporated as a company limited by guarantee.
OCRA ÉIREANN is recognised by World Obstacle (FISO), the European Obstacle Sports Federation (EOSF) and the Union Internationale de Pentathlon Moderne (UIPM).
What we do
- Athletes. Pathways from first race to international competition, the Irish National Championships, and qualification and selection for the athletes who represent Ireland.
- Clubs and communities. Supporting the clubs that already exist and helping new ones start.
- Coaches and officials. A coaching pathway and a Technical Officials programme, so standards mean the same thing at every competition.
- Events. Working with race organisers to strengthen the Irish calendar rather than competing with it.
- The sport itself. Safe, fair and inclusive participation, and the governance to hold ourselves to it.
Our community
Obstacle racing draws people from a wide range of sporting backgrounds and ability levels. Some compete at elite international level. Others race recreationally, train with a local club, volunteer at events, coach, officiate, or simply enjoy taking on obstacles with friends.
OCRA exists to support all of that — which means clear ways to find somewhere to train, take part in events, develop skills, and where people choose it, move into competing, coaching, officiating or organising.
Building the sport together
The sport develops through collaboration, not by building each part of it in isolation. We would rather work with athletes, clubs, training facilities, race organisers, coaches, officials and volunteers than around them.
Whether you are taking on your first obstacle race, building a local community, organising an event or aiming to represent Ireland, there is a route here. New to the sport? starts at the beginning.