More than Mud - Garfield Griffiths

More than Mud is an article and interview series dedicated to documenting the incredible characters and stories that we come across in the world of OCR and outdoor adventure and endurance racing events. They range from everyday heroes to extreme athletes but all have unique and engaging stories to tell.

Garfield Griffiths is the kilt wearing race director of the OCRWC and will direct this year's highly anticipated re-release of Civilian Military Combine.  

How do you describe what you do to people outside of the OCR community? (and why you do it)

I tell people I’m a producer of big and muddy obstacle races that crazy and fun people like to do. I do it because I absolutely love it. Being able to meet the participants, staff, and OCR community as a whole is incredible. Behind the scenes there’s always a rush of a million moving parts. One minute I’m setting up digital marketing campaigns, talking to China for materials, or vendors regarding merchandise orders. At the end of the day, I’m operating heavy machinery in the middle of nowhere building amazing obstacles. It’s really the ultimate job for anyone with ADHD. Oh look...a squirrel!

What's been your most interesting or memorable moment in your OCR career so far?

Too many to count. Seeing my obstacle design "Wheel World" (originally Spin Class) launched at Savage Race and being incredibly well received and also nominated for "Best New Obstacle In 2015".  Then to have it recreated at the UK's Nuclear Races was pretty great. Seeing the 2015 OCR World Championships go off without a (major) hitch and then winning the"Best Event Of 2015" award kinda made me tingly all over as well.

What's the best training or racing advice you've ever received?

Do not go under my kilt when racing (not nice for people below me on obstacles).

What personal challenges has OCR has helped you overcome?

OCR gives me a way to channel my (slightly) overboard passion and hyperactivity levels into something I love.

What inspires you?

My family and friends.  My kids are my life. Also those inspiration quote pictures on Facebook with mountains and waterfalls in them.

What's something about you that others might find surprising?

I was bullied terribly as a child, and because of that I've been a martial artist for 30 years. Now I’m a certified Krav Maga instructor (Israeli special forces martial art). I also dealt poker to the heads of the Turkish mob in Istanbul during the Gulf War. I was a very successful club DJ back in the UK and here the US working with the biggest names in the industry (Tiesto, Oakenfold,Sasha, Van Dyk). I like long walks on the beach...wait, this isn't Eharmony.

What are your thoughts on the current state and future of OCR?

I don't like to get into the whole "what does the future hold" debates. It’s f***ing amazing right now. Yes, maybe it has leveled out and we all know that - but I’m just thoroughly enjoying every second while it lasts. So in my best Forrest Gump voice "That's all i have got to say about thaaaaat...

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