Race Directing, OCR and Ultrarunning

Run in Mud recently interviewed Claire Sherling, the race director of the Marion Made Challenge (MMC). The MMC is a 5k race that takes place at beautiful Marion Military Institute, in Marion, Alabama. This course incorporates military and traditional Obstacle Course Racing (OCR) obstacles winding through golf courses, courtyards, woods and trails before finally finishing with the most grueling 1/10 miles that I have ever experienced.  

Claire has directed all three 3 MMC events all within about 12 months. Having experienced the last two events, I can attest that they get even more challenging and better after each next event. The last event in March had more competition that ever including international participation, more talented and competitive OCR athletes and now is a North American and World Championships qualification; congratulations for that. 

Now let's learn more about Claire, MMC and what her goals are.

The following is a synopsis of the Podcast:

Claire has always been athletic competing in numerous sports each season including soccer. Soccer was the sport that she considers had the biggest impact on her OCR ability. The miles of running, endurance building, and speed work fit nicely with the challenges of a new sport, but the mental toughness she learned through soccer outweighed all of the physical benefits.

After breaking into OCR, Claire convinced the leadership at MMI that an OCR event would be a great way to raise money for the cadets. It wasn't long before the leadership bought into the idea and the entire campus and cadre became strong supporters and resources.

After running the three events simultaneously, MMI has now landed on an annual spring event, so add this event to your race schedule.

Claire is currently maintaining her OCR and physical training, but is stepping into endurance or ultra marathon running. The appeal is running trails, which is in her opinion more pleasurable than road running. She shares that she believes OCR runners may have some advantages over traditional trail runners during some segments to include steep climbs. 

Her podcast interview is here: