MIDWEST OCR

Midwest OCR - Built by Racers, for Racers

Midwest OCR is proudly brought to you by Race Ready Obstacles, the expert obstacle builders who have been behind some of the biggest names in OCR, including OCRWC, Frontline OCR, Abominable Snow Race and many more. Known for crafting high-quality, challenging courses nationwide, we're excited to bring a championship-level experience to you at Midwest OCR.

As a veteran-owned and operated event, we believe in building not just a race, but a community, and a challenge worth conquering.

Whether you're tackling your very first obstacle course race for fun or you're a seasoned OCR veteran chasing your next big challenge, Midwest OCR has something for you. Our course is packed with obstacles ranging from super approachable to brutally tough, all laid out across a rugged landscape of hills, cliffs, ravines, creeks, and beautiful wooded trails.

Every racer will earn:

• A custom Midwest OCR Finisher's Shirt

• An Epic Finisher's Medal

• Professional Action Shot Photos (no extra cost!)

• And of course, bragging rights for life

No hidden fees at checkout. No surprise processing, insurance, or "mandatory" add-ons. What you see is what you pay.

The earlier you sign up, the more money you save. Lock in your spot today!

Race Categories:

10K Elite / Elite Masters/ Competitive Age Group - 10K (6.2 Miles) 30+ Obstacles - Overall Top 3 M/F receive podium awards and a cash prize. Top 3 M/F in respective Age Groups receive podium awards.

This is a mandatory obstacle completion race. In order to be eligible for a podium, racers must successfully complete all obstacles and finish the race within 3 hours. Racers get unlimited attempts at obstacles. Failure to complete an obstacle only takes you out of podium contention. You still go on to finish the race and earn your medal and finisher's shirt.

The Bearded Challenge - (THREE laps of the10K loop) - Overall Top 3 M/F receive podium awards. In order to be eligible for a podium, racers must successfully complete all obstacles through a minimum of two laps. Your first 10K lap will earn you the main finisher's medal. Laps #2 and #3 will earn you additional medal pieces that will connect to your main medal. All racers receive medals regardless of obstacle completion. There will be a 6 hour limit: 9am - 3pm. Racers MUST start their last lap by 1:00pm and back in the festival area by 3:00pm. 

5K / 10K Open / Fun Run (Non-Competitive) - 5K (3.1 Miles) 20+ Obstacles or 10K (6.2 Miles) 30+ Obstacles - Grab your friends and family and go out there and have some fun. You can run, walk or crawl, just get to the finish line! All obstacles are OPTIONAL. We just want you to do your best and most importantly, HAVE FUN!!! TEAMWORK is highly encouraged! If you're racing alone, don't worry, you'll make friends along the way. Children ages 10-13 may run/walk alongside a parent/guardian, and kids 14 and up may run the course on their own. All racers receive a finisher's medal, shirt and professional action shot photos.

Ruck Division (Non-Competitive) - Ruck participants may choose to ruck either the 5K or 10K course. Bring your own ruck (backpack and weights). Recommended weight: 20lbs - Women, 30lbs - Men. Crawls and carries are to be completed, but all other obstacles are OPTIONAL. Ruck participants receive a ruck patch, along with their finisher's medal and shirt.

Kid's Course - The kid's course will feature 10+ obstacles around a 1/4 - 1/2 mile loop. This is perfect for those younger kiddos, ages 11 and under, to join in on the fun! Parents may help their kiddos along the course. The kid's course is not timed, and children may run the course multiple times if they would like. Kid's receive a sweet finisher's medal and shirt.

Awards:

10K ELITE: OVERALL TOP 3 M/F win CASH + additional podium awards.

10K ELITE MASTERS: TOP 3 M/F (40+ yrs old) receive additional podium awards.

10K COMPETITIVE AGE GROUP: TOP 3 M/F in each Age Group receive additional podium awards.

Age Groups : Under 20, 20-24, 24-29, 30-34, 35-39, 40-44, 45-49, 50-54, 55-59, 60+

THE BEARDED CHALLENGE: OVERALL TOP 3 M/F finishers receive additional podium awards. Top male and female will also be awarded a cash prize.

Volunteer!

Volunteers receive awesome perks, including ways to earn a free race entry! Volunteers play a vital role in ensuring a great racer experience by helping manage obstacle stations, the finish line and other areas to assist participants. Complete a full shift on RACE DAY and then afterwards have fun running the course with other volunteers. Volunteers are also needed during race week and after the race to help with set up and/or clean up. Completing ONE 6-HR shift on RACE DAY or a shift during the tear-down will earn you a FREE race entry or by completing TWO 5-HR shifts during build week. Shifts can be split up between two days or completed all in one day. Click the volunteer tab for more info and if you have questions, please reach out to us.

Parking:

General Parking is located at 4 Star Campground (Address: 2776 E 2625th Rd Unit 2048, Marseilles, IL 61341), just 2 miles from the race venue. Parking is $10 Cash. Pay at time of parking. There will be a shuttle bus running from 6:30am - 3pm.

VIP Parking is $25 and is located on-site. It is Pre-Paid ONLY, due to space availability. VIP Parking is paid when you register for the event and is on a first come, first served basis. If you do not see the option to add VIP Parking during registration, that means the spaces have already been filled and you need to plan to park off-site at the General Parking location. VIP Spots go quickly, so if you want to park on-site, you need to sign up very early.

Sponsorship Opportunities:

OPTION #1 - STATION SPONSOR - $500

Sponsor aid station to provide participant supplies, fuel/and or hydration.

• Acknowledgement of your support online and throughout the event.

• Booth presence in festival area.

• Logo/link on website and signage at aid station.

• Complementary race entry.

OPTION 2 - BEARDED CHALLENGE BIB SPONSOR - $600

This is our second largest wave of the event. Each participant receives a vest/bib that must be worn during the race, and then afterwards keeps the bib. As the Bib Sponsor, your business name and/or logo will be printed on each Bearded Challenge participant bib.

• Acknowledgement of your support online and throughout the event.
  

• Booth presence in festival area.

• Logo/link on website and all Bearded Challenge participant bibs

• Complementary race entry.

OPTION #3 - ELITE 10K BIB SPONSOR - $1000

This is our largest waves of the event. Each participant receives a vest/bib that must be worn during the race, and then afterwards keeps the bib. As the Bib Sponsor, your business name and/or logo will be printed on each Elite participant bib.

• Acknowledgement of your support online and throughout the event.

• Booth presence in festival area.

• Logo/link on website and all Elite 10K participant bibs

• Complementary race entry x2

OPTION #4 - BRONZE LEVEL SPONSOR - $750

• Acknowledgement of your support online and throughout the event.

• Booth presence in festival area.

• Logo/link on website, emails, and social media channels.
  

• Logo/business name on finisher shirts.

• Social Media promotion via Facebook and Instagram.

• Complimentary race entry x2.
  

OPTION #4- SILVER LEVEL SPONSOR - $1500

• Acknowledgement of your support online and throughout the event.

• Booth presence in festival area.

• Logo/link on website, emails, and social media channels.

• Logo/business name on finisher shirts.

• Social Media promotion via Facebook and Instagram x2.

• Logo on race backdrop photo op and podium backdrop.

• Complimentary race entry x4.

OPTION #5- GOLD LEVEL SPONSOR - $2500

• Acknowledgement of your support online and throughout the event.

• Booth presence in festival area.

• Logo/link on website, emails, and social media channels.

• Logo/business name on finisher shirts.

• Multiple Social Media promotions via Facebook and Instagram through the year.

• Logo on race backdrop photo op / podium backdrop.

• Logo on official course map.

• Exclusive email campaign promoting your business.

• Logo on open (non-competitive) participant race bibs.

• Complimentary race entry x6.

Not ready for a monetary sponsorship, but still want to have your business involved? Your company can support the event with in-kind product or service donations. Have something else in mind? Reach out to us and let’s chat.

If you are interested in becoming a Sponsor for our event or want to help the event in other ways, please contact us at aaron@racereadyobstacles.com  Thank you so much!

What's included with the registration fee?

Admission to the event, a sweet medal and super-soft t-shirt, chip timing, professional action shot photos and an awesome experience! 

What does OCR stand for?

OCR stands for Obstacle Course Race. An OCR race combines trail running with obstacles, such as walls that you will climb over, things you will crawl under, monkey bars and other things that you will hang and traverse across, and carrying heavy things like sandbags, and more. You'll also get to play in some mud. Races likes Spartan Race, Tough Mudder, Savage Race...these are all different brands of OCR. We've also seen OCR's referred to as "Mud Runs", "Adventure Races",  or "Mudders". Sometimes when we're trying to explain to people what an OCR is, we'll get the occasional "Oh is that like Ninja Warrior?". Sort of. You'll see some similarity in obstacles, but OCR is OUTDOORS with trail running in-between obstacles.

What types of people do the Midwest OCR?

Athletes and adventure seekers looking for new challenges. Runners who want to do something more than just the same 5k and other distance runs. Military and other hardcore outdoor thrill seekers, dads, moms, grandmas, and grandpas. Basically it's for anyone who likes doing fun and crazy things.

What is the minimum age limit to participate?

Kids 14 and up can run/walk the race without adult supervision.

Kids ages 10-13 may run/walk the 5K or 10K (just for fun division) with a parent/guardian alongside them.

We have a Kid's Course for kiddos ages 4-11. The Kid's Course is about a 1/2 mile long with around 10 obstacles. Parents may accompany and/or assist their kids while on the course.

How do I train for Midwest OCR?

Getting outside and hitting the trails is always going to be helpful in preparing for an OCR. Anything that works grip strength is also going to be very beneficial. Things like going to your local park and playing around on monkey bars, climbing a rope at a crossfit gym, carrying heavy things around your backyard, these are all going to be helpful in getting you ready for race day. Some people will come out with the intention to win and will train like beasts, while others just come out to have fun and don't do any sort of training, and they'll finish when they finish. 

What should I bring?

• A great attitude.

• Your ID to pick up your packet.

• Cash or Card for extra Midwest OCR swag, food, etc.

• A change of clothes and a towel. We'll have hoses to rinse off and changing stations.

How long is the course?

We have THREE different race distances: 5K (3.1 miles), 10K (6.2 miles), and a multi-lap option of the 10k loop. We also offer a  1/4 - 1/2 mile kid's course, for kiddos under the age of 12, which they can go through multiple times, if they don't want all the fun to stop. Kids ages 10 to 13 can run/walk in the just-for-fun waves alongside a parent or guardian. Kids 14+ can race in any of our divisions.

What is the Bearded Challenge?

If one lap isn't enough, then take on The Bearded Challenge, which is THREE laps of the 10k course, for a total of 18.6 miles and over 100 obstacles. Your first lap will earn you the original finisher's medal. Each additional lap will earn you a medal piece that will connect to your finisher's medal, regardless of obstacle completion. 

Can I compete for a podium spot in both the 10k and The Bearded Challenge?

No. However, if you are competing in the 10K competitive division and would like to go out for more laps and try to complete The Bearded Challenge FOR FUN, because you want to go have more play time on the obstacles or you want to earn the additional medal pieces, you can do both. You just can't COMPETE for podiums in both. When signing up for the 10K Competitive division, there will be an option to add on extra laps for $20. Whether you complete one extra lap or two, it's still only $20. For each additional lap, you'll earn a medal piece that will connect to your finisher's medal. 

Where is packet pick up?

We will have early packet pick up on Friday night (9/26/25) from 4-6pm at the race venue.

Otherwise, you may pick up your race packet the morning of the race, at the race venue. We recommend arriving, at least, an hour before your wave time to get checked in and ready for your start time.

Bathrooms and Water Stops?

There will be portable restrooms located near the festival area. There are no restrooms located along the course, unless you consider Mother Nature as one. There will be water stations around every mile and a half throughout the course.

Will there be a Course Map?

YES! The course map is released during race week, usually on either the Thursday or Friday before the race. Be sure you're following us on Instagram and Facebook because you'll get to see a lot of behind the scenes stuff leading up to the race, course previews and obstacle demos. Plus, we love connecting and getting to chat with you!

What if I can't complete an obstacle?

If you're running in a non-competitive (aka. just for fun) division, you are not required, NOR expected, to complete all the obstacles. Give it your best shot and just keep going. There's NO penalties for failing an obstacle. We want you to have fun and get to the finish line! If you're running in one of our competitive divisions, 100% obstacle completion is REQUIRED to earn a podium spot. Failing obstacles in the competitive division only takes you out of contention of earning a podium. Competitive racers will surrender their competitive wristband and then go on to complete the race. You still earn your medal and finisher's shirt.

What if I can't run the whole course?

Then WALK it! You can run, walk or crawl, just keep moving and get to the finish line. Go at your own pace and have fun! The course closes at 3pm, and the last wave goes off at 12pm. You got this!

Is my family allowed to come and watch?

ABSOLUTELY! There is no spectator fee and we'd love to see your friends and family come out to cheer for you. Spectators may walk along the outside of the course and cheer on participants. We just ask that they stay off the path where racers are running through. Spectators will need to check-in at the registration tent and sign a waiver to be on the property.

Are volunteers needed?

Oh gosh yes! Our main priority is getting volunteers on race day. We also have volunteer opportunities during build week and post race to help set up the course, and clean up afterwards. Click on the Volunteer tab for more info. Any and all help is greatly appreciated! Volunteers can earn a free race entry or a donation for your organization.

Can I still earn a free race entry if I volunteer in the afternoon on race day?

Limited positions are available that provide volunteers the opportunity to run in the morning and volunteer in the afternoon. Volunteers must pay and register for their race online and select a wave time that will allow them to complete the race in time for their shift. If you complete your entire shift, you will receive a refund of your entry fee the week following the race.

What should I wear?

Normal running clothes work fine, just keep in mind that you will get dirty. Shoes that have some grip to them work best, such as a trail running shoe. You don't have to be fancy here, an old pair of shoes, t-shirt and shorts works too. We even see people do these types of events in costumes, which can make for great pictures!

Is there a time limit?

The course closes at 3pm. You could probably walk the entire 10K course in about 3 hours (roughly pacing around 30 minutes per mile), and half of that if you're doing the 5K course. If you think you need more time, just sign up for an early wave. If you are a 10k Competitive racer, you have a 3-hour time limit to complete the course if you want to be eligible for a podium spot.

Is the 10K just two loops of the 5k course?

No. All racers start and finish at the same point, but there will be a split in the course where the 10k racers will go on to keep doing more mileage and more obstacles. 

What's the parking situation?

You have two options for parking: 

$25 VIP Parking On-site - Must be pre-paid online BEFORE race day, as the space is limited. 

During registration, if spots are still available, you will have an option to add VIP parking when signing up. If you have already registered and would like to add on VIP Parking, you will need to login to your runsignup account, click on MY PROFILE>MANAGE MY REGISTRATION>UPDATE ADD ON'S and then if you see an option for VIP Parking, you can add it on there. If you do not see an option for VIP Parking, that means all the spots have already been reserved, and you will need to plan on parking in the General Parking off-site location. (which is only 2 miles away).

$10 General Parking Off-site (There will be a bus to shuttle you to and from the race venue.) 

General Parking is located at Four Star Campground (2 miles away) and there will be a bus picking up/dropping off about every 15-20 minutes, from 7am-3pm

Do you offer refunds if I can't make the event for any reason?

We do not offer refunds. If you are concerned with something happening that could prevent you from showing up on race day (being sick, family emergency, and several other reasons), you have the option to add racer insurance. This is something offered through runsignup, that you can add on with your registration, so if something were to come up that would prevent you from racing, you wouldn't lose out on your race fee. Be sure you read the details of the coverage, so you know exactly what's covered under the insurance.

In the rare case that something happens that is beyond our control and would force us to shut down, the event will convert to a Virtual event, whereas racers can complete their race at a place of their own choosing. Midwest OCR will ship your swag directly to your home at no cost to you.

Can I defer my race entry to next years event?

Yes! In the event that you cannot attend the race, you may defer your entry and use it towards next years event. Click HERE to learn how to do a deferral.

How do I become a Sponsor?

Check out our sponsor page HERE. If you have any questions, please contact us at aaron@racereadyobstacles.com for details.

**PLEASE NOTE. WAVE START TIMES CAN CHANGE DEPENDING ON THE NUMBER OF SIGN UPS.**

Download your free race photos at the links below:

2024 Race Photos:

https://geosnapshot.com/e/midwest-ocr/30271?src=event-eo-share

https://photos.app.goo.gl/KatoD6g6pHsXtaa26

2025 Race Photos:

https://www.flashframe.io/event/2783/all/all/0/#/20/

https://www.dropbox.com/scl/fo/esmcn8guvb3ge69lq30dk/AH2tv3RaOagsUsAP4ZW2Kws?rlkey=bhmbl9lgntlp8q91r333zpkqo&st=fc7ptlg6&dl=0

https://www.facebook.com/share/p/1Y6hgbxiBG/

Become a referral!

Looking for a way to reduce the cost of your registration? This is for you! Here's how it works: Once registered for the event, you will automatically be supplied with a unique referral code that will credit you as the referrer any time a user registers as a result of your referral. Here's how it works:

When the 5th person registers using your referral code, $20 will be refunded from your registration cost, not to exceed the cost of your registration (fees, donations, store purchases, and add-ons do not qualify for refund).

Earn More!

In addition, you can earn gift cards from Race Ready Obstacles, OCR training gear and other grip attachments, many that you will come across on RACE DAY!

When seven (7) people register using your referral code, you earn a $25 gift card from Race Ready Obstacles!
When ten (10) people register using your referral code, you earn a $50 gift card from Race Ready Obstacles! 
When twenty (20) people register using your referral code, you earn a $100 gift card from Race Ready Obstacles! 

Note: Each registered person has their own unique referral code. 

*Registrations must be made by using your unique referral code/link and be completed by end of day Friday, September 26th to qualify.

Locating your personal referral code:

There are three main locations you can find your referral code:

1. Within your Confirmation Email
2. Within your RunSignup Profile
3. Within the confirmation page following Registration

Be sure to share the link with your referral code in it with family and friends who may be interested in joining you (ex: including the link in a Facebook status or Instagram bio, story, etc.)

If you have any questions, please feel free to contact us at aaron@racereadyobstacles.com.

This is a RAIN OR SHINE event. In the event of extreme weather (lightning, hail, tornado, or another act of God) we will delay the event until the weather clears. Our team will do everything possible to keep it on schedule, and we thank you for your understanding and patience, should there be delays. Your safety is top priority.