Community.
More Than Racing
The Obstacle Course Racing Association of Ireland (OCRA ÉIREANN) exists to support more than competition alone.
Obstacle racing has always been built around community.
People may come to OCR because they want to race, improve their fitness or learn new skills, but many stay because of the friendships, clubs, training groups and shared experiences that develop around the sport.
The Irish OCR Community
The obstacle racing community in Ireland includes:
- Recreational athletes
- Competitive athletes
- Elite athletes
- Age Group athletes
- Youth athletes
- Adaptive athletes
- Clubs
- Training groups
- Coaches
- Technical Officials
- Race organisers
- Volunteers
- Gyms and training facilities
- Families and supporters
Each plays a role in helping the sport grow.
Getting Involved
There are many ways to become part of the OCR community.
You can:
- Join a local club
- Find somewhere to train
- Enter your first event
- Compete regularly
- Volunteer
- Become a coach
- Become a Technical Official
- Start a club
- Support an event
- Organise a race
- Join OCRA
- Help develop the sport locally
Supporting New Athletes
Every experienced OCR athlete had a first race.
OCRA wants the Irish obstacle racing community to remain welcoming to people who are discovering the sport for the first time.
You do not need to be an elite athlete, complete every obstacle or arrive with years of training behind you.
There should be a place within the sport for people who want to compete seriously and for people who simply enjoy training, racing and being part of the community.
Clubs and Local Communities
Local clubs and training groups are at the heart of sustainable sporting development.
They provide regular opportunities for people to train, learn from each other and become involved beyond individual race weekends.
OCRA wants to help establish stronger links between clubs throughout Ireland and support the creation of new communities in areas where OCR is still developing.
Events Bring the Community Together
Independent race organisers play an important role in the Irish OCR community.
Events such as Hard as Oak, Rampage, Hell & Back, Spartan and Turf Warrior provide opportunities for thousands of people to experience obstacle racing in different formats.
OCRA wants to work constructively with event organisers while continuing to develop national competition, qualification and athlete pathways.
Volunteering
Obstacle sport depends heavily on volunteers.
Volunteers support:
- Competitions
- Clubs
- Community activities
- Technical operations
- Athlete support
- Event delivery
- OCRA programmes
Volunteering can also provide a pathway into coaching, Technical Officiating, event organisation and other roles within the sport.
Connect With the Community
OCRA uses its website and social media channels to share:
- Events
- Club news
- Team Ireland updates
- Athlete achievements
- Coaching opportunities
- Technical Official opportunities
- Volunteering
- Community initiatives
- Important developments within the sport