Work With OCRA.
Working Together to Grow Obstacle Sport
The Obstacle Course Racing Association of Ireland (OCRA ÉIREANN) wants to build strong, constructive relationships with obstacle race organisers throughout Ireland.
Race organisers are a fundamental part of the obstacle racing community.
They create the events that introduce thousands of people to OCR, provide opportunities for experienced athletes to compete and help build the community around the sport.
OCRA's aim is not to replace independent race organisers or take control of existing events.
We want to work with organisers to strengthen the overall Irish OCR calendar and create better connections between recreational racing, competitive sport, National Championships and international qualification.
Different Ways to Work With OCRA
Not every organiser needs the same relationship with OCRA.
Depending on your event and objectives, you may want to:
- List your event on the OCRA calendar
- Promote your event to the Irish OCR community
- Work with local OCR clubs and athletes
- Apply for OCRA recognition or sanctioning
- Become an approved Qualification Event
- Work with OCRA Technical Officials
- Develop competitive race categories
- Explore National Championship opportunities
- Connect your results with OCRA rankings or results systems
- Develop a longer-term partnership with OCRA
Independent Events
OCRA recognises the important role independent events play within Irish obstacle racing.
Events do not need to be organised by OCRA to form part of the wider Irish OCR community.
Race organisers remain responsible for the management, commercial operation and delivery of their own events unless a different arrangement has specifically been agreed.
Working with OCRA is intended to create additional opportunities rather than remove an organiser's independence.
Building a National Calendar
Ireland already has established obstacle racing events and organisers serving different parts of the community.
By working together, we can create a stronger national calendar that helps athletes understand:
- What events are available
- Where they can race
- Which events are recreational
- Which events offer competitive categories
- Which events are OCRA sanctioned
- Which events provide international qualification
- Where National Championships take place
Competitive Pathways
OCRA is responsible for developing Irish pathways into recognised national and international obstacle sport competition.
Independent organisers can become part of those pathways.
Suitable events may be considered for:
- OCRA sanctioning
- Qualification Event status
- National Championship hosting
- Future ranking inclusion
These statuses must be agreed with OCRA and are not automatically created by listing an event on the OCRA calendar.
Technical Officials
Competitive events may also work with OCRA Technical Officials.
Trained Technical Officials can support areas including:
- Competition rules
- Obstacle completion
- Penalties
- Competition procedures
- Results verification
- Athlete fairness
- Protest and review processes
The level of Technical Official involvement will depend on the type and status of the event.
Let's Talk
You do not need to wait until your event is fully developed before contacting OCRA.
If you already operate an established race, are developing a new event or simply want to explore how your event could fit into the wider Irish OCR calendar, we would like to hear from you.