If you’ve had your fill of 10K road races and sprint triathlons, or if you’re simply keen to see what the hell you’re really made of, it might be time to start training for the new adventure race scheduled for late summer at Berkshire East in Charlemont. The Bone Frog Challege was created by Navy SEALs, and according to organizers, it was designed to “challenge, build and inspire participants to become better athletes and recognize that they can do anything they set their minds to, while enjoying the camaraderie and teamwork usually reserved for active duty Navy SEALs.” The race will take place Sept. 14 and 15. (For course information and early registration pricing, go to bonefrogchallenge.com.)
The Valley Advocate recently spoke with Bone Frog’s CEO (and veteran Navy SEAL) Brian Carney about the event.
Valley Advocate: What makes your race different from other races out there?
Brian Carney: We’re really going to capture the SEAL experience with our courses. We will be using obstacles that we trained on in Basic Underwater Demolition SEAL school, more formally known as BUD/s, and from other courses we’ve trained on around the world. These are legitimate obstacles that are designed to train the world’s most elite fighting force. We aren’t trying to see who gets the muddiest or trying to shock people with electricity. These obstacles are based on functional fitness, not luck, and will test every competitor. We will, of course, have fun challenges too, however the major emphasis will be on challenging, fitness-based obstacles. Our courses will be something never seen before in this arena.
VA: Why Berkshire East?
BC: The B’East is an ideal location for multiple reasons. It offers some of the most challenging terrain in the country and will allow us to provide our racers with a course that is fitting to the fierce New England name. The natural terrain alone is something that will let all racers walk away with an incredible sense of accomplishment when crossing the finish line. With 36 obstacles over nine miles, it is sure to be a Beast in itself.
VA: Why should racers sign up now and not wait until later in the summer?
BC: First reason, it’s less expensive to register now and prices increase every month until the race. Secondly, this race is something that you train for. We do not advise people to show up on race day without any preparation. Signing up early will not only give people a reason to train throughout the summer and stay in shape but also save them money. We’d like racers to get involved as early as possible with sending us their training regimen and pictures of what they’re doing to train. We will post them to our Facebook page to encourage other racers. DJ Amanda Jo of Bear Country 95.3 has signed up for the race and will be blogging and talking on air all summer long about what she and her team are doing to train for the event.•
