On your marks, get set… for Devon's most fun Rock Solid Race which will be held on 16th March, 2013. Come rain, hail or shine, some of the UK's hardiest amateur sportsmen will be lining up to take part in this man-size obstacle race at Escot Park near Ottery St Mary.
What is the Rock Solid Race at Escot Park?
Apparently, obstacle racing is one of the fastest growing sports on the planet, and it's a great spectator sport too! Take your pick from the deceptively easy-sounding 5km Dash or the tough 10km Rock Solid Race. You can choose whether to run solo or drag some unsuspecting friends along too for moral support and run as a team.
If “mud” is your favourite colour, then this is definitely the event for you. For sure, you may well come out sporting a generous amount of Devon's brown earth after tackling the Soap Dodger Swamp and crawling through the squelchiest of bogs beneath barbed wire. There's a chance to clean up a bit with the ice bath, water cannon and the huge hydro-slide before the grueling one mile obstacle-free Green Mile en route to the winning post.
The Rock Solid Race is promoted as “90% mental and half physical strength, so you do the math!” The course is designed to show no mercy as it tests your speed against the clock, stamina, strength (plenty of logs to carry) along with mental toughness, so no crying girls, please. After testing you to the max, the event also includes some serious play time with your new buddies and fellow survivors.
Natural and man-made obstacles
The course includes natural obstacles such as giant hay bales as well as some sadistic man-made structures to really sort the men out from the boys, metaphorically speaking of course. Women are welcome too, but all participants have to be over 18 and slightly mad to qualify. Expect to endure 25 obstacles in the 5km dash (and 37 in the Rock Solid Race) including the Hurdles from Hell, the Gun Show, the Arabian Walk, The Pyramids, the Gorilla Swing and 6-8 feet high walls to be overcome.
With state-of-the-art chipped timing devices, once you cross the finish line your results will immediately be displayed on the plasma screens, so there's no chance to quietly slip into last place. The world will be watching!
Event village post-race party
After the pain, the party. Make use of the on-site showers and changing area, then head into the Event Village. It has live music, beers and will be showing Six Nations Rugby LIVE for those who want to see others suffer too. Adam Isaac will be putting on a live performance in the Big Top after the race and there will be a massive beer tent to satiate your thirst following your mega-workout. After replenishing your calories with some great Devon food, you may even find the strength to join in the Tug of War, or just cheer from the sidelines. The event ends at the Exeter night club “Timepiece” with buses laid on to transport you there for a nominal fee.
If you fancy returning to Escot Park on any other day of the year, you will find it a peaceful family-friendly attraction. This 1200-acre estate boasts a beech hedge maze, children's play barn, red squirrel enclosure, roaming wildlife and brilliant falconry displays.
If you thought a holiday in Devon was only for sissies and retirees, then think again. The Rock Solid Race is one of many fun events that take place throughout the year in Devon's rolling hills and scenic coastline. If you've taken place in a similar obstacle race, please share your experience and encourage others by commenting below.
Born in Cheshire, Gillian Birch moved to Cornwall at her earliest opportunity and never looked back. After 20 years, her ongoing discovery of popular attractions, quiet footpaths and local eateries has made her a fount of knowledge as she entertains readers with her informative articles on the hidden gems of Devon & Cornwall from a local point-of-view.