Why Don't Obstacle Course Racing Venues Award Age Group Prizes?

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One of my goals is to compete for and earn a spot the podium. I know, I know, it's a very bold claim for someone in OCR. After all, the podium is reserved for the elite athletes and professionals.  

What I'm speaking of is recognition for racing against my peers; those in my age group. While I may not measure up to the accomplishments of a 30 year old professional, I can bring it to the 50's. 

So far that has happened in several smaller venues such as the Original Mud Run in Franklin, TN and the Urban Challenge in Decatur, AL.  While I am proud to get on the podium at over 50, I realize this isn't going to happen at a national venue unless some changes occur.

I mean, it's really nice to see non-professionals get their recognition for the hours of hard training. I think most people measure themselves up to "how did I do against others in my age group?". It seems that many are just excited to see how they stack up as they review the computer generated results at the event tent. 

I also think more racers would stick around for the award ceremony if they knew they had a chance to be recognized. The spectator and racer participation would grow in numbers and the ceremony would be more exciting.

1st Place in my age group Savage Race Atlanta May 2015

2d Overall in the Urban Assault November 2015

1st place in the Original Mud Run Nashville May 2016

I've qualified for top spot in a few even smaller events, but surprisingly they have not had award ceremonies. It's kind of sad to see people working so hard and receiving such little recognition. I also see that these venues are losing their appeals and closing shop.

So, I am advocating award ceremonies for the top three males and females in each age category as a way to engage and preserve our sport, make it more competitive, and bring more professionalism. Most competitions recognize age groups much better than mud runs and obstacle races. s 

It's great to award the top male and female overall with cash prizes; keep it up. They are fast, train hard, and well deserving. I'm just saying it would be nice to have some kind of recognition for the athletes who also stand out with a trophy, medal or t-shirt for the top three in each age group. These are the bragging rights I think these folks have earned. 

Savage Race has offered age group awards and I'm excited to run Savage Race ATL again this coming weekend. Last time I ran, I won first place in my age group and it was awesome and made the four hour drive home worth it. I got to see each of the top three performers in each age group stand at the podium, have their picture taken, and receive a  medal for their hard work.

Battle Frog has recognized age groups, but the categories are so broad. For example, they recognized the masters group. The masters covered age groups from 40 to 120. I'm sure the 40 year old population would definitely beat the 70 year olds, lol. 

What I'd like to see is age group tracking similar to the attention given at the Cross Fit World Championships. This year I am excited about the OCR World Championship as they will be recognizing age groups. I can't wait to see all the accomplishments and get a chance to compete with people my age.