OCAR FAQ’s

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The Contender OCAR is a hybrid OCR and Adventure Race. This means you will begin with the AR portion of the event. Adventure racing involves navigation over an unmarked wilderness course. Basically, adventure racing is like a great big scavenger hunt in nature, using a number of different sport disciplines (e.g. kayaking, trekking, orienteering) to get you from one checkpoint to the next.

Part of the appeal of adventure racing is that you really don’t know exactly what you’ll be doing until you get there. Unlike a triathlon, where the disciplines are completed in a specific order, adventure racing has no set "order".

After you have located all the control marker flags you will cross a 120' section of the lake and begin the obstacle course potion of the event. Obstacle course racing is a sport in which a competitor, traveling on foot, must overcome various physical challenges in the form of obstacles in a linear fashion. Meaning, you must complete one to get to the next.

• Can I skip an obstacle? Is there a penalty?

  Contenders don't skip obstacles, we push through them.
  
  The Contender is designed for you to reach deep into yourself, but absolutely never to a point where you are meant to feel ashamed or punished for not doing something. Contending is about growth, teamwork & fellowship.
  
  Designed to Challenge
  The obstacles on the Contender course are all designed to challenge you in different ways: confined spaces, heights, physical capacity and, of course, teamwork skills. We like to say that there is something for everyone.
  
  Personal accomplishment is a major reason why our obstacle design team does what they do to challenge us on course. The feeling of overcoming a fear, especially when there is teamwork involved, has long lasting effects on your life.
  
  Contending Together
  It’s about the personal transformations that happen out there. When we are scared, intimidated, and overwhelmed and yet still make it through obstacles? It flips a switch in your mind; all the other challenges you may face in your daily life suddenly take on a much lower stress level.
  
  All you need is a little help from your friends. The community here at the Contender is the most supportive group of people your will meet.
  
  Believe in Yourself
  The obstacles may be tough, but they are not impossible. More often than not, the reason why people don’t skip obstacles is because they believe they can do it. This fact should light a fire in you to come out, challenge yourself, and grow as a person. Be open to new challenges and never feel like you “have” to do anything you are not 100 percent sure about. You'll meet other who will lend you a hand, knee, or simply motivation to help you achieve all that you are capable of!

• Is there a time limit for each event?

  The Contender does not have a time limit, per se. We designed the course to last about 2-3 hours. Some Contenders will finish much faster while other may take a little longer. The important part it to sign up, show up, and don't give up!

• Are there water and aid stations on the course?

  We have water and aid stations through out the course. We do not provide food or gels, so please plan to bring your own. Contenders are encouraged to bring camelbaks or water bottles to address their personal needs throughout the course. When in doubt, bring it.

• What about the weather on event day?

  Generally speaking, we Contend in rain or shine, heat or snow.
  
  In order for us to cancel or postpone an event, we must be experiencing severe weather such as a tornado, forest fire, flood, blizzard, etc. So, if you get up and it is pouring rain, we are Contending. If it is snowing, we are Contending. If it is hot, we are Contending. If it is cold, we are Contending. Please plan to dress accordingly and use your judgment regarding your personal limitations.
  
  If for some reason we must cancel an event due to uncontrollable weather conditions emails will be sent to all registered Contenders and announcements will be made on our website and through social networking channels.

• What should I wear?

  While you can wear almost anything we have a few suggestions:
  
  

  • Avoid cotton whenever possible.
  

  • Trail running shoes and lightweight apparel that drains well; remember, it's likely you will be soaking wet and/or muddy.
  

  • Check the weather for race day and dress accordingly.
  

  • New shoes on race day are NOT recommended. Race in what you train in.
  

  • Remember this is a family event, and indecent clothing is prohibited.
  

• What if there is a water obstacle and I can't swim?

  Some of our events will have water obstacles. Most will be in water shallow enough to walk through without having to swim. For the kayaking portion of the event you will be required to wear one of the provided personal floatation devices.

• Where can I find medical help at the event?

  There are numerous medical volunteers at the event. If you get injured or have a medical emergency, staff and volunteers are standing by to radio our medical team for immediate assistance. Additionally, a medical tent is available in the festival area near check-in/registration.

• Is the Contender a race?

  Yes and no. The Contender event is a personal challenge with the goal of overcoming obstacles and completing the course. You are free to take as much time as you need to complete an obstacle. For those Contenders interested in competition, we have a running clock and awards will be given for various age groups and the top three teams. Friendly competition or a personal challenge? It's up to you!

• Our Course Design

  Our hybrid course design (The Contender)
  Contenders will start with an AR style event that will involving kayaking, trekking and simple orienteering to locate checkpoints. You can choose the order in which you complete the checkpoints and the route you want to take. After you have completed the checkpoints you will wade 120ft across a lake to start the obstacle course portion of the event.
  
  Traditional Obstacle Course Racing (OCR)
  Obstacle course racing is a sport in which a competitor, traveling on foot, must overcome various physical challenges in the form of obstacles in a linear fashion. Meaning, you must complete one to get to the next.
  
  Traditional Adventure Racing (AR)
  Adventure racing is typically a multidisciplinary team sport involving navigation over an unmarked wilderness course. Basically, adventure racing is like a great big scavenger hunt in nature, using a number of different sport disciplines (e.g. kayaking, trekking, orienteering) to get you from one checkpoint to the next.

• How long is the Contender?

  We designed the course to last about 2-3 hours with roughly 18 obstacles and adventure-race style events. Some Contenders will finish much faster while other may take a little longer.

• Is there a minimum age to complete the Contender?

  Yes. Contender participants must be at least 10 years old. Minors must stay with an adult on the course at all times.

• Why is this event called, "The Contender?"

  A true contender vigorously endeavors to win the competition, not holding anything back. Jude exhorts the church to “earnestly contend for the faith” (Jude 1:3). In other words, the victory does not come without contending. In a practical sense, what does it mean to contend for the faith? Find out here.

• How do I get photos from the event?

  On-site photography
  Individual/team finisher photos can be purchased for a small fee through our event photographer, Tate Tipton Photography. Check out their tent in the festival area.
  
  Social media
  Additionally, we will also be posting our own pictures and video on our social media channels.
  Facebook ┃ Twitter ┃ Instagram ┃ YouTube
  
  Share your pics
  We would love to see you pictures! Use the hashtag "#livelikeacontender" or "wildernessMENistry" to tag your photo.

• Are food and drinks available?

  A variety of vendors will be set up at the event including food and drinks for a small fee.

• Directions & Parking

  Directions
  Event Address: 300 Prater Lake Rd NE Calhoun, GA 30701
  

  60 min from Atlanta: Get on I-75 North. Take exit 315 right on 156 E/Red Bud Rd. Continue 2 miles on GA-156 E/Red Bud Rd. Turn right onto Prater Lake Rd NE. Follow parking signs.
  45 min from Chattanooga: Get on I-75 South. Take exit 315 left on 156 E/Red Bud Rd. Continue 2 miles on GA-156 E/Red Bud Rd. Turn right onto Prater Lake Rd NE. Follow parking signs.

  Parking
  Follow our signs and volunteers to the parking lot. Lock your vehicle and only bring what you need.
  IMPORTANT NOTE: The Calhoun Moose Lodge has graciously allowed us to use their parking lot to accommodate the large number of vehicles. Please be respectful of their facility and pick up any loose trash that may have fallen out of your vehicle.

• Event Schedule

  EVENT DATE:	Spring of 2024
  Volunteer/Vendor Check-In	6:45 AM
  *Registration/Check-In	7:15 AM
  Event Start	8:30 AM

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  *Registration/Check-In ends at 8:15 AM

• Are there awards?

  All finishers will receive a finisher award.

• Lost and Found

  If you have lost an item during an event, please click the below link to fill out the Lost and Found form. Please include as much detail as possible. If your item has been found, we will reach out to you via email. Lost and Found Form
  
  Please note: Items left past 90 days of your event will be given to a local donation center.

• When should I arrive and what do I do when I get there?

  NOTE: We suggest arriving 1 hour prior to your scheduled start time.
  
  Once you arrive on site...
  1. Proceed to the registration table.
  2. One of our awesome volunteers will:
  

  • check you in,
  

  • provide you with your bib number and race packet,
  

  • write your number on your arms and/or attach the wristband to your wrist.
  3. If you choose, drop your stuff at the "BAG CHECK" tent for safekeeping.
  4. Head to the "START" line.
  5. Have a great race!

• Spectator Guide

  Spectators are allowed in free of charge. There is no spectator age limit.
  
  You will have viewing access to many of the obstacles, the start and finish line, the vendor tents, and hot food for sale on the grounds. Enjoying music, watching your friends and loved ones slip and slide through the Contender course, free muddy hugs from Contender athletes and all the other spectator perks make spectating all worthwhile. The next ticket you will want to buy will be a race entry.
  
  That's great, but can I get on the course to watch my racer?
  
  Spectators are not allowed to roam the course outside of the festival area. The festival area is situated within sight of several obstacles where you can take photos of your family and friends. Additionally, spectators must remain off the course, 15 feet from all obstacles and cannot assist Contender athletes in completing an obstacle.
  
  What can I bring into the race with me?
  
  Outside food, drinks, large coolers, and tents are not allowed. You are welcome to bring folding chairs, backpacks, etc. Use of alcoholic beverages, intoxicants, illegal substances and glass beverage containers are prohibited. Please be advised we are a smoke-free facility.

• Underage Children

  All children under the age of 18 must be accompanied by an adult at all times. Leaving your child unattended while you are racing will result in you being pulled off the course and asked to leave, and may result in a permanent ban from all future Contender events.