Today we got news of a new and rather odd 5K race to be held in California this year.
It's called the Ridiculous Obstacle Challenge (ROC) Race (see press release below) and it is based on the TV show Wipeout.
According to the press release the 5K race to be held in San Diego will feature, "20 outrageous obstacles including foam climbs, swinging ropes over water, ball hill climbs, swinging boulders, cargo nets, harassing role players, inflatable slides." You know just like Wipeout, Japanese inspired, game show.
Recently we recorded THIS podcast with Death race founder Joe DeSena.
BTW: The marketing line for the Death Race reads "you may die."
So here we have two races that take the Olympic sport of running to two different extremes.
In the ROC amateur athletes get to tackle a wide variety of crazy obstacles, and in the Death Race amateur athletes not only get to run, bike and pull tree stumps out of the ground, but (if they are unlucky enough) they may also die.
All of which has us wondering if plain old running has now officially jumped the shark.
What do you think?
Are these races just a natural evolution of endurance sports or has running jumped the shark and morphed into something that strange and bizarre?
Please let us know your thoughts in the comments below.
San Diego, CA – April 6, 2011 – VAVi Sport & Social Club (VAVi), San Diego’s premier coordinator of social events, charity opportunities and adult sports leagues, today announced the first annual Ridiculous Obstacle Challenge (ROC) Race taking place at the Del Mar Race Track and Fairgrounds on May 21, 2011. Inspired by television’s popular obstacle course game shows, the 5K race will feature outrageous and challenging obstacles providing fun and entertainment for both competitors and spectators.
“After watching some of the most ridiculous game shows like Wipe Out, MXC or Double Dare, , we wanted to give the San Diego community the opportunity to take part in their own outrageous obstacle course game show,” said Latane Meade, president of VAVi. “With the incredible popularity of crazy events and races we have hosted in the past including the Del Mar Mud Run, we are excited to introduce the craziest of them all: The ROC Race.”
The 5K ROC Race will challenge individuals and teams to conquer more than 20 outrageous obstacles including foam climbs, swinging ropes over water, ball hill climbs, swinging boulders, cargo nets, harassing role players, inflatable slides and more.
Additionally, participants and spectators will enjoy the ROC Fest after party featuring:
· Live music and DJ’s: Chris Clouse with DJ G-ROY and Sleeping Giants DJ’s Fresh One and Chris Cutz
· One free beer or non-alcoholic beverage for ROC Race participants
· Food vendors
· Vendor Village showcasing numerous local businesses
Registration options include individual competitors, four-person teams and unlimited team sign-ups (for groups of five or more). Awards will be given out in each category for best ROC Race times and best costumes worn for the race.
Sponsors include Miller Lite, Sport Clips Haircuts, Road Runner Sports, and Nutrition Zone.
For more information and to register for the ROC Race, please visit www.rocrace.com
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