Grit N' Wit Review

Swag Bag given out at finish

So this was the second event that this team put on, and i just love this concept for a race. The concept is mind challenges, as well as physical ones. For instance, they had colored squares that you would have to memorize then run up a hill and make the design in front of a volunteer, and could not pass until you got it. some of the other mental challenges were a Sudoku style number game with cylinder blocks painted like dominoes, recreating shapes with various shaped blocks (like the letter h, and about6/8 pieces to make the shape, they also had a spearhead like shape) There was a riddle, and one of my favorites was the field sobriety test (basically you stand on a balance beam, and maneuver golf balls through a giant 2 person maze, wile balancing like 2 ft in the air) I seriously love that one, it is great! It is the only challenge i have seen like it, and it is a great change from just physical obstacles, although they have plenty of those as well. Last year at their first race, they did not have enough volunteers, and needed to make some small tweaks to improve the experience, and they mostly did. There were still back logs, but when you have mental challenges that are take more tie then going over a wall, it will happen. But they had several more options at each mental challenge compared to last year, some small tweaks and it would not be all that noticeable. But it is a challenge, no timing chips, so no worry if you lap takes a little longer, it is all about fun! And they brought a ton! last year their 10 ft wall was a problem, this year they added a kicker to make it easier to get over. and added more walls and such, all of the obstacles are well built. The festival area was pretty cool, several beer vendors, a local radio station (it was a park in Hartford, ct, and the radio station was playing good music) a local gym was set up, i saw foam rollers and a massage chair, oohrah drinks, a food truck. The environment was great, very nice, and i do not know how they got so many awesome volunteers, they all had an upbeat attitude, super nice and friendly, it really help with the event. Parking was free, and across the street from the venue, bag check was free.Curse marking was better than last year, I didn't get lost at any point, which happens from time to time, even at spartan races. If you want to find out more about their event check the link here. They are getting better than last time, smoother event, and I look foreword to their next event, and watching it grow. also for swag the finishers t is a tech t, better than last year, (and i like last years comfy poly blend as well) a oohrah drink and shirt, pen, and promo materials. Instead of medals they do shades, which is a nice alternative because you do not use the medals past the race (although i do like me some medals). So overall, it was a fun day  spent outside, running around, and putting my brain to use, that i really enjoyed.

Some of my team mates The New England Spahtens

Until next time
Stephen