| Information, Inspiration + Motivation
New Obstacle! “Piece of Queso”
2019 event season is here, so that means brand new obstacles! Here is obstacle release number one for the year, Piece of Queso! Make sure you are subscribed to our newsletter and part of our private Savage Syndicate Facebook group to catch more obstacle updates, training tips, and pointers for completing the obstacles.
Introducing “Piece of Queso” & pro tips from Lee
2019 Finisher Shirts Are Here
Last week we showed you the 2019 finisher, syndicate, and PRO medals. This week, it’s tee-shirt time! We hope you love these super soft finisher shirts for Savage Race and Savage Blitz as much as we do.
If you haven’t taken advantage already, sign up for your 2019 events buy one, get one half off, using code CUPID. This offer expires 2/14 11:59 PM.
2019 Savage Race Finisher Tee
2019 Savage Blitz Finisher Tee
Sawtooth Training Tips by Chris Marhefka (B3 Gym)
Last week I dropped into B3 Gym in Gainesville, Florida to meet with owner and head trainer Chris Marhefka to get some training tips for completing my personal arch-nemesis obstacle, Sawtooth.
In the video, Chris shows me how I can use pull ups, dead hangs, one handed hangs, fat grip progressions, and other training techniques to conquer Sawtooth and other upper body strength oriented obstacles.
Oh! And I should mention that I hit a dead hang PR in this video (1:21). Haha!
Chris Marhefka is the founder of B3 Gym in Gainesville, FL and co-founder of Eat the 80, a healthy meal delivery service in Florida. He has worked with more than 2,000 clients and has 10+ years experience as a personal trainer, CrossFit instructor, and nutrition and lifestyle coach. He holds a Certified Personal Trainer certification from the American College of Sports Medicine and is a CrossFit L1 and L2 certificate holder.
I Will Conquer Sawtooth in 2019.
One of my deepest secrets is that I can’t complete Sawtooth. That’s right, the founder of Savage Race can’t complete one of his own trademark obstacles. I’ve had eight years to do it, and every time I try, I end up falling in the drink.
A few months ago, I decided that 2019 would be the year that this would change. I know that conquering Sawtooth will require hard work and dedication. The two biggest factors keeping me from successfully completing Sawtooth are 1) I am overweight, and 2) my upper body is not strong enough. Both of these issues will need to be addressed to enable me to accomplish my goal of defeating Sawtooth.
Being overweight makes obstacle course racing a lot harder. The way I think about it is that for every extra 10 pounds of fat on my body, I might as well be wearing a weighted backpack filled with 10 pound plates. To address this issue, I’ve been eating clean for the past few months. I follow a Paleo-ish diet, and I’ve experimented with intermittent fasting and ketosis too. I’ve found that if I limit my carbs to 50-100 grams per day, I can steadily lose weight, and it really doesn’t require a lot of effort or will power. Another tactic that works well for me is to challenge my friends to weight loss and fitness challenges. Savage Co-founder Lloyd Parker and I both lost about 30 pounds in three months participating in one of these challenges. So I’m down 30 pounds, and have about 15 to go. I think I’m on track in the weight loss department.
To address the strength issue, I’ve been hitting the gym to get stronger. I have a great garage gym at my house that makes it easy for me to get the work in. Even more important, is good programming, so I hired a remote coach, Sean McGovern to create an individualized training plan for me and to hold me accountable. Following Sean’s plan, which is specifically tailored to help me reach my goals, I’ve been breaking PRs in the gym that I haven’t come close to in eight years. So I think that I’m on track in the strength department, too. If you think that having a remote coach could be a good fit for you, I highly recommend you contact Sean.
New Savage Bling for 2019!
Ahhh yeah… A new year = a new set of medals. In this video, I show off all the new goods.
My favorite is the HUGE new Savage Syndicate medal, featuring spinning action and a lovely mirror finish. As usual, you will get a lap pin for every paid lap you ran to earn your Syndicate honors. This year we made separate Savage Race and Savage Blitz pins, to distinguish which type of laps you ran. These pins are larger and nicer than any we’ve had in the past, and will replace the state pins that we have given out in the past. To learn how to earn the Savage Syndicate medal, follow this link.
For those of you SavagePRO and BlitzPRO athletes out there, you gotta check out the new PRO award medals. These are what you will earn if you win age group or top team honors. Instead of the standard round medal design we’ve given out in prior years, the latest PRO award medals are Savage Axe replicas, complete with a custom SavagePRO/BlitzPRO lanyard.
Of course, we also have some great new medals for the standard Savage Race and Savage Blitz finishers!
I don’t know about you guys, but I’m completely fired up for the 2019 season. I’ve been training hard to have my best year of health and performance, so you can bet that I’ll be earning my medals this year right along with you.
Much Savage love,
Sam Abbitt
President
Savage Race HQ
SavagePRO and BlitzPRO award axes, Savage Syndicate medal and pins, Savage Race finisher medal, Savage Blitz finisher medal (left to right)
How We’re Always Striving to Improve Savage Race Based on YOUR Feedback
Hey Savages! Today we’d like to give you an inside look at how we’re committed to continually improving your experience at Savage Race.
You already know we have the best obstacles, and that our race is the perfect distance. But did you know that we have an internal focus on always making Savage Race better?
We work hard to connect with you, our growing Savage community, and then put on an amazing event that you just can’t stop talking about. Then, we review a number of metrics to measure the success of each event. We consider what worked well and what we could do better next time. After that we make adjustments (sometimes big ones!) and repeat the process.
The end result is a better Savage experience each time you come out to one of our events, and we’re darned proud of that.
Support Hurricane Relief Efforts by Purchasing Your Limited Edition Savage Race T-Shirt
Savage Race isn’t just about getting muddy and conquering obstacles. We’re not just about accomplishing goals and overcoming fears. And we’re not just about fun and fitness and making memories of a lifetime.
No, Savage Race is about so much more than that.
What makes Savage Race so great is YOU and your support of one another before, during, and after the race.
Savage Race is about community.
Inside the Obstacle: Hangarang
Meet "Hangarang" another new obstacle you will face in 2017. More new obstacle announcements coming soon...
Posted by Savage Race on Friday, December 23, 2016
Inside the Obstacle: Twin Peaks
Inside the Obstacle: Twin PeaksInside the Obstacle: Twin Peaks
Posted by Savage Race on Monday, November 28, 2016
Inside the Obstacle: Savage Rig
Inside the Obstacle: SavageRig
Posted by Savage Race on Thursday, August 4, 2016
Who Is Matty T? “A Gluten Free, Beverly Hills Ninja”
We’ve all asked ourselves at one time or another, “who is Matty T?” I did it yesterday actually.I mean sure, we all know Matty T, the fuzzy faced, hoody rocking, backwards hat guy who always wants us to “get Savage”, and looks badass in a lab coat. But do we truly know ……… Matty T? …. You will. I dug deep on this one and left no stone unturned. It’s due time to shine the spotlight on this gentle giant and learn all his secrets. So without further ado… Let’s get Savage.
Inside the Obstacle: Tree Hugger
Inside The Obstacle: Tree HuggerYep, another new obstacle for 2016! Watch Matty T break down Tree Hugger in our latest edition of Inside the Obstacle
Posted by Savage Race on Thursday, August 18, 2016
Inside the Obstacle: On the Fence
Check our newest installation of Inside the Obstacle!
Inside the Obstacle: On The FenceInside the Obstacle: On The Fence
Posted by Savage Race on Friday, June 17, 2016
What to Wear to Your Next Mud Run
Deciding what to wear to your next mud run or obstacle course race can make make a big difference in how you feel on race day. Wearing the wrong clothes or shoes can cause serious discomfort and chafing. This can ruin your race experience, so use the following information to plan ahead and choose wisely!
Savage Race Presents “Inside the Obstacle: Sawtooth”
Matty T the Race Emcee is back again with an insider look at our all-upper-body obstacle, Sawtooth. Check it out…
Inside the Obstacle: SawtoothSawtooth is one of Savage Race's most unique obstacles. Find out why only 40% can complete it.
Posted by Savage Race on Tuesday, February 16, 2016
Top 20 Sweetest Savage Photos of All Time
It’s almost Valentine’s Day, and mud is in the air at Savage Race. Check out these top 20 sweetest Savage photos of all time!
Luis Santana Beats Cancer and Trains Savage
Just before his 16th birthday, Luis Santana was diagnosed with a rare form of cancer in his left leg. His dreams of getting a wrestling scholarship to Ohio State were put on hold as he spent the next seven years wrestling cancer instead.
It came back three times, advancing further and further up his leg each time. At 19 years old he was told that amputation was the only option to save his life. But his doctor didn’t give up and they tried a new form of radiation therapy. At 23, his prayers were answered and he was completely cancer free.
“I fought depression, anger, and spent many months alone not wanting to be close to anyone fearing I could die at any moment,” remembers Luis. “Without my faith in God and my family to support me, I wouldn’t be alive today.”
Savage Race Presents “Inside the Obstacle: Colossus”
Matty T the Race Emcee spent some time showing us a behind-the-scenes look at Savage Race’s biggest obstacle, Colossus. Check it out…
Inside the Obstacle: ColossusGo behind the scenes with OCR's biggest obstacle...
Posted by Savage Race on Monday, January 25, 2016
Florida Savages: Things to Do in Pasco County, FL
Florida Savages, check out some awesome things to do while you’re in Pasco County! Some of the many activities include boating and fishing, golfing, hot air balloon rides, zip lining, and skydiving.
Savage Race Presents “Inside the Obstacle: Wheel World”
We recently went behind the scenes with Matty T the Race Emcee to get pro tips and an insider look at Savage Race’s newest obstacle, Wheel World. Check it out…
Inside the Obstacle: Wheel WorldCheck out the first part of our newest video series Inside the Obstacle with Matty T
Posted by Savage Race on Tuesday, January 12, 2016
Win a VIP Experience Package to Savage Race!
Savage Race and NuAquos Sports Drink are giving away two VIP packages with free race entries, merchandise, parking, food & beverage, exclusive behind-the-scenes access, and more!
Enter To Win Here
Winners will be announced on Instagram on March 1st.
NuAquos is a functional beverage that rehydrates with all 6 base electrolytes, promotes recovery with 12 grams of protein, and restores nutrients with 19 vitamins and minerals – all with unparalleled taste.
Official SavagePRO Rules & Obstacle Guidelines
(updated February 18, 2019)
GENERAL RULES
Overall – Athletes must complete all obstacles as specified in the SavagePRO Rules in order to be eligible for cash prizes, which are awarded to the Top 3 Male and Top 3 Female athletes competing in the SavagePRO heat.
Savage Race x GORUCK Tough Challenge – Dade City, FL – November 9, 2019
GORUCK is teaming up with Savage Race for a special GORUCK Tough Challenge on the grounds of the Savage Race Florida Fall. That means your Special Forces Cadre will have access to Savage Race’s 27+ obstacles for you to lead, follow, and overcome adversity as a team, by night, on an obstacle course closed to everyone else until morning.
They’ll be sleeping in their warm beds. You won’t be.
10-12 Hours
15-20 Miles
Savage Race Obstacles
Note: Parking after 5pm is free for this event
Date and time
Saturday, November 9, 2019 12:01AM (Between Friday night and Saturday morning)
Start Point
Savage Race Florida Fall
17951 Hamilton Rd, Dade City, FL 33523
What To Bring
Ruck gear is required. Visit GORUCK’s event page for more information.
How to Register
Register at GORUCK’s event page.
If you are looking for the Savage Race Florida Spring page, and reached this page in error, click here to visit the webpage for that event.
Savage Race President Sam Abbitt, still smiling 8 hours into GORUCK Georgia 2018
We did some of the obstacles with our rucks on.
For some of the obstacles, the Cadre let us take our rucks off.
All Savage Race GORUCK events are led by a special forces Cadre. In this photo, Cadre JC Jordan shows off his ruck and the patch that we all earned upon completion of the event. (5 people out of 28 did not complete the event and did not earn the patch)
The class doing lunges up a hill
Slippery Incline Wall, with rucks
Block Party
The Cadre gave us a few minutes to rest underneath a sprinkler head.
Doing bear crawls, nine hours into the event.
We completed the obstacles as a team.
The entire team made it up Colossus! We were allowed to keep our rucks off for this one.
Finish line!
Savage Race GORUCK Tough Class 004 – Georgia Fall 2018
Savage Race x GORUCK Tough Challenge – Grandview, TX – October 5, 2019
GORUCK is teaming up with Savage Race for a special GORUCK Tough Challenge on the grounds of the Savage Race Dallas. That means your Special Forces Cadre will have access to Savage Race’s 27+ obstacles for you to lead, follow, and overcome adversity as a team, by night, on an obstacle course closed to everyone else until morning.
They’ll be sleeping in their warm beds. You won’t be.
10-12 Hours
15-20 Miles
Savage Race Obstacles
Note: Parking after 5pm is free for this event
Date and time
Saturday, October 5, 2019 12:01AM (Between Friday night and Saturday morning)
Start Point
Savage Race Dallas
10736 County Rd 102, Grandview, TX 76050
What To Bring
Ruck gear is required. Visit GORUCK’s event page for more information.
How to Register
Register at GORUCK’s event page.
If you are looking for the Savage Race Georgia Spring page, and reached this page in error, click here to visit the webpage for that event.
Savage Race President Sam Abbitt, still smiling 8 hours into GORUCK Georgia 2018
We did some of the obstacles with our rucks on.
For some of the obstacles, the Cadre let us take our rucks off.
All Savage Race GORUCK events are led by a special forces Cadre. In this photo, Cadre JC Jordan shows off his ruck and the patch that we all earned upon completion of the event. (5 people out of 28 did not complete the event and did not earn the patch)
The class doing lunges up a hill
Slippery Incline Wall, with rucks
Block Party
The Cadre gave us a few minutes to rest underneath a sprinkler head.
Doing bear crawls, nine hours into the event.
We completed the obstacles as a team.
The entire team made it up Colossus! We were allowed to keep our rucks off for this one.
Finish line!
Savage Race GORUCK Tough Class 004 – Georgia Fall 2018
Savage Race x GORUCK Tough Challenge – Dallas, GA – March 30, 2019
GORUCK is teaming up with Savage Race for a special GORUCK Tough Challenge on the grounds of the Savage Race Georgia Fall. That means your Special Forces Cadre will have access to Savage Race’s 27+ obstacles for you to lead, follow, and overcome adversity as a team, by night, on an obstacle course closed to everyone else until morning.
They’ll be sleeping in their warm beds. You won’t be.
10-12 Hours
15-20 Miles
Savage Race Obstacles
Note: Parking after 5pm is free for this event
Date and time
Saturday, September 21, 2019 12:01AM (Between Friday night and Saturday morning)
Start Point
Savage Race Georgia Spring
2462 Harmony Grove Church Rd. Dallas, GA 30132
What To Bring
Ruck gear is required. Visit GORUCK’s event page for more information.
How to Register
Register at GORUCK’s event page.
If you are looking for the Savage Race Georgia Spring page, and reached this page in error, click here to visit the webpage for that event.
Savage Race President Sam Abbitt, still smiling 8 hours into GORUCK Georgia 2018
We did some of the obstacles with our rucks on.
For some of the obstacles, the Cadre let us take our rucks off.
All Savage Race GORUCK events are led by a special forces Cadre. In this photo, Cadre JC Jordan shows off his ruck and the patch that we all earned upon completion of the event. (5 people out of 28 did not complete the event and did not earn the patch)
The class doing lunges up a hill
Slippery Incline Wall, with rucks
Block Party
The Cadre gave us a few minutes to rest underneath a sprinkler head.
Doing bear crawls, nine hours into the event.
We completed the obstacles as a team.
The entire team made it up Colossus! We were allowed to keep our rucks off for this one.
Finish line!
Savage Race GORUCK Tough Class 004 – Georgia Fall 2018
Savage Race x GORUCK Tough Challenge – Kennedyville, MD – September 7, 2019
GORUCK is teaming up with Savage Race for a special GORUCK Tough Challenge on the grounds of the Savage Race Maryland Fall. That means your Special Forces Cadre will have access to Savage Race’s 27+ obstacles for you to lead, follow, and overcome adversity as a team, by night, on an obstacle course closed to everyone else until morning.
They’ll be sleeping in their warm beds. You won’t be.
10-12 Hours
15-20 Miles
Savage Race Obstacles
Note: Parking after 5pm is free for this event
Date and time
Saturday, September 7, 2019 12:01AM (Between Friday night and Saturday morning)
Start Point
Savage Race Maryland Fall
13003 Turners Creek Rd. Kennedyville, MD 21645
What To Bring
Ruck gear is required. Visit GORUCK’s event page for more information.
How to Register
Register at GORUCK’s event page.
If you are looking for the Savage Race Maryland Fall page, and reached this page in error, click here to visit the webpage for that event.
Savage Race President Sam Abbitt, still smiling 8 hours into GORUCK Georgia 2018
We did some of the obstacles with our rucks on.
For some of the obstacles, the Cadre let us take our rucks off.
All Savage Race GORUCK events are led by a special forces Cadre. In this photo, Cadre JC Jordan shows off his ruck and the patch that we all earned upon completion of the event. (5 people out of 28 did not complete the event and did not earn the patch)
The class doing lunges up a hill
Slippery Incline Wall, with rucks
Block Party
The Cadre gave us a few minutes to rest underneath a sprinkler head.
Doing bear crawls, nine hours into the event.
We completed the obstacles as a team.
The entire team made it up Colossus! We were allowed to keep our rucks off for this one.
Finish line!
Savage Race GORUCK Tough Class 004 – Georgia Fall 2018
Savage Race x GORUCK Tough Challenge – Spring Grove, IL- July 27, 2019
GORUCK is teaming up with Savage Race for a special GORUCK Tough Challenge on the grounds of the Savage Race Chicago. That means your Special Forces Cadre will have access to Savage Race’s 27+ obstacles for you to lead, follow, and overcome adversity as a team, by night, on an obstacle course closed to everyone else until morning.
They’ll be sleeping in their warm beds. You won’t be.
10-12 Hours
15-20 Miles
Savage Race Obstacles
Note: Parking after 5pm is free for this event
Date and time
Saturday, July 27, 2019 12:01AM (Between Friday night and Saturday morning)
Start Point
Savage Race Chicago
909 English Prairie Rd. Spring Grove, IL 60081
What To Bring
Ruck gear is required. Visit GORUCK’s event page for more information.
How to Register
Register at GORUCK’s event page.
If you are looking for the Savage Race Chicago page, and reached this page in error, click here to visit the webpage for that event.
Savage Race President Sam Abbitt, still smiling 8 hours into GORUCK Georgia 2018
We did some of the obstacles with our rucks on.
For some of the obstacles, the Cadre let us take our rucks off.
All Savage Race GORUCK events are led by a special forces Cadre. In this photo, Cadre JC Jordan shows off his ruck and the patch that we all earned upon completion of the event. (5 people out of 28 did not complete the event and did not earn the patch)
The class doing lunges up a hill
Slippery Incline Wall, with rucks
Block Party
The Cadre gave us a few minutes to rest underneath a sprinkler head.
Doing bear crawls, nine hours into the event.
We completed the obstacles as a team.
The entire team made it up Colossus! We were allowed to keep our rucks off for this one.
Finish line!
Savage Race GORUCK Tough Class 004 – Georgia Fall 2018
Savage Race x GORUCK Tough Challenge – Barre, MA – July 13, 2019
GORUCK is teaming up with Savage Race for a special GORUCK Tough Challenge on the grounds of the Savage Race Boston. That means your Special Forces Cadre will have access to Savage Race’s 27+ obstacles for you to lead, follow, and overcome adversity as a team, by night, on an obstacle course closed to everyone else until morning.
They’ll be sleeping in their warm beds. You won’t be.
10-12 Hours
15-20 Miles
Savage Race Obstacles
Note: Parking after 5pm is free for this event
Date and time
Saturday, July 13, 2019 12:01AM (Between Friday night and Saturday morning)
Start Point
Savage Race Boston
2 Sunrise Ave. Barre, MA 01005
What To Bring
Ruck gear is required. Visit GORUCK’s event page for more information.
How to Register
Register at GORUCK’s event page.
If you are looking for the Savage Race Boston page, and reached this page in error, click here to visit the webpage for that event.
Savage Race President Sam Abbitt, still smiling 8 hours into GORUCK Georgia 2018
We did some of the obstacles with our rucks on.
For some of the obstacles, the Cadre let us take our rucks off.
All Savage Race GORUCK events are led by a special forces Cadre. In this photo, Cadre JC Jordan shows off his ruck and the patch that we all earned upon completion of the event. (5 people out of 28 did not complete the event and did not earn the patch)
The class doing lunges up a hill
Slippery Incline Wall, with rucks
Block Party
The Cadre gave us a few minutes to rest underneath a sprinkler head.
Doing bear crawls, nine hours into the event.
We completed the obstacles as a team.
The entire team made it up Colossus! We were allowed to keep our rucks off for this one.
Finish line!
Savage Race GORUCK Tough Class 004 – Georgia Fall 2018
Savage Race x GORUCK Tough Challenge – Albrightsville, PA – June 22, 2019
GORUCK is teaming up with Savage Race for a special GORUCK Tough Challenge on the grounds of the Savage Race Pennsylvania. That means your Special Forces Cadre will have access to Savage Race’s 27+ obstacles for you to lead, follow, and overcome adversity as a team, by night, on an obstacle course closed to everyone else until morning.
They’ll be sleeping in their warm beds. You won’t be.
10-12 Hours
15-20 Miles
Savage Race Obstacles
Note: Parking after 5pm is free for this event
Date and time
Saturday, June 22, 2019 12:01AM (Between Friday night and Saturday morning)
Start Point
Savage Race Pennsylvania
211 N Meckesville, RD. Albrightsville, PA 18210
What To Bring
Ruck gear is required. Visit GORUCK’s event page for more information.
How to Register
Register at GORUCK’s event page.
If you are looking for the Savage Race Pennsylvania page, and reached this page in error, click here to visit the webpage for that event.
Savage Race President Sam Abbitt, still smiling 8 hours into GORUCK Georgia 2018
We did some of the obstacles with our rucks on.
For some of the obstacles, the Cadre let us take our rucks off.
All Savage Race GORUCK events are led by a special forces Cadre. In this photo, Cadre JC Jordan shows off his ruck and the patch that we all earned upon completion of the event. (5 people out of 28 did not complete the event and did not earn the patch)
The class doing lunges up a hill
Slippery Incline Wall, with rucks
Block Party
The Cadre gave us a few minutes to rest underneath a sprinkler head.
Doing bear crawls, nine hours into the event.
We completed the obstacles as a team.
The entire team made it up Colossus! We were allowed to keep our rucks off for this one.
Finish line!
Savage Race GORUCK Tough Class 004 – Georgia Fall 2018
Savage Race x GORUCK Tough Challenge – Zanesfield, OH – June 8, 2019
GORUCK is teaming up with Savage Race for a special GORUCK Tough Challenge on the grounds of the Savage Race Ohio. That means your Special Forces Cadre will have access to Savage Race’s 27+ obstacles for you to lead, follow, and overcome adversity as a team, by night, on an obstacle course closed to everyone else until morning.
They’ll be sleeping in their warm beds. You won’t be.
10-12 Hours
15-20 Miles
Savage Race Obstacles
Note: Parking after 5pm is free for this event
Date and time
Saturday, June 8, 2019 12:01AM (Between Friday night and Saturday morning)
Start Point
Savage Race Ohio
1000 Snow Valley Rd. Zanesfield, OH 43360
What To Bring
Ruck gear is required. Visit GORUCK’s event page for more information.
How to Register
Register at GORUCK’s event page.
If you are looking for the Savage Race Charlotte page, and reached this page in error, click here to visit the webpage for that event.
Savage Race President Sam Abbitt, still smiling 8 hours into GORUCK Georgia 2018
We did some of the obstacles with our rucks on.
For some of the obstacles, the Cadre let us take our rucks off.
All Savage Race GORUCK events are led by a special forces Cadre. In this photo, Cadre JC Jordan shows off his ruck and the patch that we all earned upon completion of the event. (5 people out of 28 did not complete the event and did not earn the patch)
The class doing lunges up a hill
Slippery Incline Wall, with rucks
Block Party
The Cadre gave us a few minutes to rest underneath a sprinkler head.
Doing bear crawls, nine hours into the event.
We completed the obstacles as a team.
The entire team made it up Colossus! We were allowed to keep our rucks off for this one.
Finish line!
Savage Race GORUCK Tough Class 004 – Georgia Fall 2018
