Two Cardiff brothers are launching OBSTAFIT VIP – dedicated and accessible training for Obstacle Course Race (OCR) addicts and newcomers.

The OCR industry has exploded in popularity and participation. Every year, millions of participants take on mud, water and obstacle-enhanced distance running to test their determination and athleticism.

Established in 2014 by qualified personal trainers and brothers Gareth and Mike Partridge, OBSTAFIT was born to a meet a need – to train and prepare race goers for the challenge.

Gareth commented “Mike and I caught the OCR bug in 2010 after completing one of the toughest Obstacle Races in the world, ‘Tough Guy’. While the number of races and popularity increased, training resources were scarce. These events are unique; few gyms provide 6 feet walls or scramble nets. We decided to fill the training gap and launch OBSTAFIT – helping participants to prepare for and complete a race successfully and safely”.

Like OCR, OBSTAFIT is no fad or newcomer. OBSTAFIT already has over 60 clients attending its Saturday morning OCR sessions at Roath Park Recreational Ground, running OCR trail runs, attending technique masterclasses and joining the ‘sea of green’ at organised OCR events. The brothers have also built a successful on-line community for OCR addicts with over 270 subscribers to their OCR newsletter and video tutorials.

As OCR popularity continues to increase, so does OBSTAFIT‘s offering. Due to launch in February, OBSTAFIT VIP makes OCR training even more accessible to South Wales fanatics. The brothers will be adding 4 extra OCR sessions, a weekly running club and quarterly OCR technique masterclasses to their calendar.

With a focus on the individual, OBSTAFIT VIP members get an initial goal setting meeting with an instructor followed by regular progress checks. Gareth continued “OBSTAFIT VIP isn’t just for addicts. It’s ideal for beginners who have signed up to, or are thinking of signing up to a race, but feel under prepared. They can meet, train and attend races with others in the same boat”.

Members will also get access to a private instructor led Facebook group and team transport to 4 races per year, all for just £65 per month, with no fixed contract.

And they’re inviting existing clients, potential new members and the press to try it on for size. The OBSTAFIT VIP launch event will take place on Saturday 25 th February from 9am to midday at Roath Park Recreational Ground.

Attendees will be able to join the OBSTAFIT team in one of three 45 minute OCR sessions, attempt their infamous ‘hang challenge’ and official partner of this year’s Cardiff Gauntlet Games, try the Gauntlet Games space hopper course.

Discounted OBSTAFIT VIP monthly packages will be available to those who sign-up on the day, along with VIP upgrades on 2017 Cardiff Gauntlet Games race entries.

Interested attendees are asked to register their participation in advance at www.obstafit.co.uk/viplaunch