Event Review by Rebecca Cohen

Background

I was determined to qualify for the OCR European Championship 2024 in Italy, which I did at Nuclear Blackout in autumn 2023. My goal was to use this event as an opportunity to assess my strengths and weaknesses, so I could work on them for the following year in Portugal, where I’ll move up into the 60+ age group.

In previous Euros, nerves always overtook logic and I’d never kept my bands. Feeling nervous—or that excited anticipation—is normal for everyone, and I knew I had to overcome it.

Joining PT Barn Racers and attending Road 2 World sessions meant I was finally putting in focused training. It was essential to rebuild my confidence on obstacles, so I went right back to basics. Technique is key, and practising it is great fun—especially when you completely master a skill like stairway to heaven or flying monkeys.

As a primary school teacher, finding time to train isn’t always easy, but half-terms and holidays definitely help.

In the lead-up to the event, the organisers released excellent information and videos about the course design and range of obstacles. Their communication—along with that from BOS and between athletes—was outstanding. This helped us prepare and gave us a clear focus for training.

Race Weekend
On arrival in Italy, Tony Leary, Rob Boarder and I went to the event village to collect our race packets. There was a very short queue and an efficient system, which gave us time to walk the 3K course. The layout was professional and, as we passed each obstacle and discussed how we’d tackle them, I realised the course was doable for me—if I stayed focused and took my time.

That’s exactly what I did on race day.

Friday was the short course, and as an older athlete, my wave went later in the day after lunch. Managing food intake is always tricky when you’re nervous, but after a hearty breakfast of porridge, I only needed a banana later. Tony made sure I did a proper warm-up—jogging up a hill and activating my upper body on the practice rigs. Although other athletes were there too, it was easy to get on and have a go. Everyone was so kind, helpful and supportive, regardless of which country they were from.

The camaraderie at these championships is one of the reasons I love obstacle racing—whether competing in the UK or abroad.

Short Course
Wave times were running 45 minutes late, but that just gave me more time to warm up. The woman on the microphone at the start line was brilliant—introducing each athlete and where they were from.

There were only five of us in the women’s 55–59 age group. My plan was to run steadily and complete as many obstacles as I could. It was brilliant hearing Team GBR spectators cheering me on as I set off.

When I reached the Samurai, Rob (who had already finished) filmed me, and I focused on my grip so I didn’t slip off. The Portuguese lady in our group went out fast—she jogged up the hill while the rest of us walked. Something to work on!

I lost a band on the Italian Diet obstacle by completely messing up the rope entry. I should have taken more time to pre-rig, but I rushed, trying to get ahead of the three ladies behind me.

Scotty at PT Barn had mocked up Spaghetti for us to practise. I found it impossible—couldn’t grip the cords! From the course walk, we’d noticed the cords were thicker in Italy, so I followed the tip to stay high. I still don’t quite know how I did it—my feet got tangled—but I managed to hit the bell.

I came into the event village with only one band cut, which felt like an achievement. But I still had two tricky obstacles left. Fera Tenaci was next, and thankfully, Tony had set up a last-minute home version for me to practise. It had taken me a few tries to build enough swing to reach the ring, but it was doable.

When I reached Fera Tenaci, I remembered the videos, the swing I’d practised, and I got to the wheel. Somehow I swung through to the hexagon and was pleased my grip felt strong. I missed the bell the first time, but built up more swing and hit it! The cheering from the guys watching was amazing. I felt so proud.

I then lost a band on the Toroz low–high–low rig—didn’t get a good grip on one of the discs and came off. But I still had one band left and completed the other obstacles with no problem. I did my two penalty loops with a barrel on my shoulder—it wasn’t too heavy—and finished in second place.

A delighted Tony told me I’d podiumed—and I’ve still not come back down to earth!

The podium presentations were well organised, quick and professional. I love my podium video. I felt so proud having my photo taken with the other GBR winners (including Tony and Rob!) for British Obstacle Sports.

Standard Race
This will be brief. I woke up with no nerves, probably thanks to the success the day before.

It was another excellent course with lots of steep, steep climbs. The obstacles were well spaced, the volunteers were helpful, and the water stations were perfect for taking my gels.

I lost my bands fairly early and used the rest of the race as a training session. No one in my age group—or even in 60+—kept their bands. It took me just over three hours to get round. As I came back into the village, Team GBR’s support was amazing—so encouraging. I completed Fera Tenaci with far more efficiency than the previous day.

Conclusion
The standard of organisation and professionalism in this sport keeps rising. A huge appreciation goes out to the incredible Technical Officials and volunteers who give us such a fantastic arena to compete in. And to try new obstacles and reconnect with fellow competitors we may not have seen since last year.

If you’re thinking about trying this sport—do it. Anyone can sign up and have a go, knowing they’ll be helped and encouraged along the way. There are opportunities to qualify for bigger events like the UK, European, or World Championships.

It’s up to you how much you want to invest in obstacle course racing—and I just wish I’d discovered it sooner.

That said, starting at 50 and still planning to compete at 60 isn’t bad at all.