Race Review - Carolinas Spartan Trifecta Weekend

[@joelvallier5880]

Did the Ultra trifecta trifecta weekend - some of the best trail running I’ve ever done at any spartan race. Put together very well. Best time I’ve ever done at an ultra. Got first place in the open age group! And the super was 8 miles! 😮 Armer balls rolled off the course cuz it was on a hill! 😂

[@tomk7777]

Great job! Hard work pays off!

[@OCRKings]

Outstanding!! Great job my friend on the Utrafecta, and congrats on your first place podium in AG!

[@OCRKings]

Hell yeah!

[@tomk7777]

thank you for letting me submit these, it's been a lot of fun writing them.

[@OCRKings]

Are you kidding?? Thank YOU!

[@dhaskins04]

Tom you’re a legend! It’s been a pleasure hanging out and hearing your stories. Hope to be there in New Jersey!

[@tomk7777]

@ if you are we need to sit down for an interview. Your ability to tame the ultra is incredible.

[@dhaskins04]

Maybe what everyone sees but how I limp away from the hotel is another story. I almost showed up for this one. Cancelled the day before I had to leave. I haven’t trained or jogged since New Jersey last October.

[@patrickmartino1335]

Side comment: we need an OCR Kings Design Lab! Would love to see you two working on creating some new obstacles in your backyards with power tools, headlamps and Guinness!

[@tomk7777]

Genius. I would sponsor that!

[@OCRKings]

THAT IS AN AWESOME IDEA!!

[@OCRKings]

Love it!

[@patrickmartino1335]

Love the recap, Tom was spot on, I was there photographing some friends! I have stayed at that zero star hotel before, have many stories to tell about it, if you can survive the hotel, you can survive the race! AirBnB/VRBO great options in surrounding areas. Shout-out Island Noodles, such an awesome food truck and VERY quick! Rumor mill that Spartan trying to cut costs was the reason for no Rolling Mud/Dunk wall but unconfirmed! Need and OCR Kings investigation! The Johnson Family themselves always come out and cheer participants on, kudos to them. Thinking about doing my first Ultra here, reminds me of some old high school cross country courses, BEAUTIFUL location and weather always works out.

[@tomk7777]

@@patrickmartino1335 I am more than willing to go undercover at the next race to get the real story….Johnson family is very cool, they were hanging out at that building before sandbag I think.

[@OCRKings]

Cost cutting sounds about right to us. I wouldn't mind seeing rolling mud replaced by a new obstacle anyhow, perhaps something that saves money by requiring no digging nor heavy machinery. And try to avoid those zero star hotels my friend, as much as possible! 😀

[@mhunt3000]

Tom delivers yet again! Nice work

[@OCRKings]

Always!

[@tomk7777]

@@mhunt3000 it’s been so much fun writing them this season.

[@Z-bone64]

I've been following and enjoying your adventures for years! Love watching the recap videos. I've done at least sixty Spartan Races myself but have never attempted an Ultra. I want (need!) to conquer one in 2025...at 61 years old. So here's a question for you (and anyone with experience): Which Ultra course is best for a first-timer? Something with a little less altitude gain than Killington! Thanks. Aroo!

[@OCRKings]

Awesome! Thank you so much for watching, and thank you for asking! We know that Dallas is a favorite for first timers. The terrain is relatively flat, and the weather is typically warm and dry. Tom recommends the Carolinas Ultra as being great for first timers. He discusses it at length in this post: ocrkings.wordpress.com/2024/11/18/race-review-carolinas-spartan-trifecta-weekend/ I think either of those make a good choice. Keep us posted as to where you ultimately end up going. Good luck, and get that Belt Buckle - AROO!

[@tomk7777]

@@Z-bone64 Fayetteville, Ohio (returning this year), San Jose, Newberry SC and Dallas (always listen to the OCR Kings!) All are great for first timers. As always weather is the X factor. You will def do well once you commit. The ultra is 90% mental. You will do it. When you pass me say hello.

[@Z-bone64]

​@tomk7777 @OCRKings I signed up for the Ohio Ultra on May 17. Considered Dallas but I don't want to wait until October!

[@tomk7777]

@ I’m pretty sure they’re returning to the same venue where they had it for a few years. It’s a great venue for first time ultra, I did it twice and had a great time. You’re gonna do great.