Guided by Grit: James’s Journey to the Spartan Para World Championships
Release Date: 09/14/2026
The Swift Half – Episode 290
UKOCR
This week on The Swift Half, Alan and Ian cover everything from pointless workplace policies to some of the biggest talking points in the fitness racing world. The main discussion centres on the recent Hyrox Beijing race, where Joanna suffered a severe bowel accident during the competition. The incident sparked a huge reaction online, with plenty of criticism directed her way. Alan and Ian discuss what happened, the lack of clarity around the rules, Hyrox’s response, and whether social media has taken the reaction too far. There’s plenty more fitness racing news too, including the...
info_outline
Guided by Grit: James’s Journey to the Spartan Para World Championships
UKOCR
What does it take to conquer a technical Spartan course when you can’t see the obstacles in front of you? In this episode, we sit down with James, a visually impaired adaptive obstacle course racer, to explore his incredible journey into the world of OCR. We dive deep into his experience competing on the global stage at the Spartan Para World Championships in Finland, breaking down the specific demands of that brutal course. We also explore the vital, high-stakes dynamic between an adaptive athlete and their guide. James shares the story of how he found his guide for Finland and the immense...
info_outline
🎙️ The Swift Half – Episode 289 🍺
UKOCR
In Episode 289 of The Swift Half, Alan and Ian return to cover the latest news, race recaps, and updates across the fitness, Hyrox, and obstacle course racing landscapes. Alan kicks off the show with stories from his holiday in Devon, including the chaos of a lost phone and a train journey that didn't quite go to plan. Ian then delivers a roundup from the Deadly Dozen World Championships at Crystal Palace, highlighting the intense international competition and big prize money payouts for top finishers including Fabian Eisenlauer and Rachel Hodgkinson. The guys also analyze major...
info_outline
🔥 Clara Norman: 1st female adaptive athlete to achieve 100 Tough Mudders
UKOCR
In this episode, Alan sits down with Clara Norman — better known across the OCR world as The UK Dragon — fresh off completing her 101st Tough Mudder, making her the first female adaptive athlete to ever hit this milestone. Clara opens up about her journey from martial arts, to a charity run that pulled her into OCR, to becoming an adaptive athlete after multiple injuries and surgeries, including a permanently deconditioned shoulder. She talks honestly about the obstacles she battles, the pain she manages, and the community that keeps her coming back. The conversation dives into: 🔥 Her...
info_outline
🎙️ THE SWIFT HALF – EPISODE 288 🎙️
UKOCR
🎙️ THE SWIFT HALF – EPISODE 288 🎙️ Alan ia away so the team get to play Ian is joined by Megan Tranter and Wil Chung for this packed episode of chit, chat and a bit of other stuff 🎧 Episode 288 – The Swift Half Give it a listen, let us know what you think and, as always, share it with your running/OCR mates! Watch this episode live on Youtube at https://www.youtube.com/@UKOCR If you have any questions about the show or would like to explore advertising opportunities, feel free to reach out to us at admin@ukocr.com. 👉 Learn more about 💖 Enjoy what we do?...
info_outline
🔥 Who’s Hot – Episode 105: Born Survivor 2026 Preview 🔥
UKOCR
Each episode, host Wil Chung teams up with elite athletes Becky Neal and Finley Greenleaf to break down the toughest races in OCR. From brutal obstacles to terrain tactics, they dive into what it really takes to conquer the course—and who’s out there making waves. Whether you're chasing podiums or just chasing grit, this is your inside line to the athletes and strategies that matter. Follow Wil chung on or on Becky Neal is on Finley Greenleaf is on If you have any questions about the show or would like to explore advertising opportunities, feel free to reach out to us at...
info_outline
🎙️ THE SWIFT HALF – EPISODE 287 🎙️
UKOCR
🎙️ THE SWIFT HALF – EPISODE 287 🎙️ It’s another Swift Half and, despite a few technical difficulties thanks to some troublesome laptops, Alan & Ian are back with another packed episode! 😂💻 This week they chat about: 🏃 Runner’s World advice – are eggs, granola and protein shakes really foods you should avoid before a run? 🏆 World’s Toughest Mudder – bigger team relay options are coming. Could this change the game for team endurance racing? 🔥 HYROX & Amazon – a new partnership that could be a big one for the fitness world. 🇬🇧 European...
info_outline
🔥 Swift Half Ep. 285 – The Backyard, The Titanic & The Chaos!
UKOCR
Alan & Ian are back with another round of OCR and fitness‑racing madness. 🏃♂️ Topics on tap: • Alan’s soul‑token entry into the Greendale Performance Backyard Ultra • A Titanic‑themed kids’ slide that’s… maybe not the best idea • Spartan race results – high fees, low elites, and talk of dynamic pricing • Tough Mudder Southwest brings back the Electric Eel ⚡ • AI gone rogue booking gym classes 🤖 • Anti‑doping updates across athletics • Rugby legend David Jackson’s 100 ultras in 100 days for charity 💪 ...
info_outline
🔥 Swift Half Ep. 285
UKOCR
This week we dive into the latest OCR & fitness racing news — Decca’s new regional champs, Sinead Bent teaming up with Adidas, and the Deadly Dozen making waves. But the big one? Dawn joins us for a brutally honest breakdown of the OCR World Champs in Ireland… organisational chaos, and a community that still pulled together. Plus: hamster Strava antics (yes, really) and what’s coming up next in OCR. If you have any questions about the show or would like to explore advertising opportunities, feel free to reach out to us at admin@ukocr.com. 👉 Learn more...
info_outline
🎙 Swift Half Ep. 284 – OCR News, Big Wins & A Community Farewell
UKOCR
This week Ian and Alan dive into everything happening across the OCR world — from Farmyard Jam ticket buzz, 100-ball cricket chaos, Ireland’s wild World Champs course, Deadly Dozen loops, burpees & relay results, Hyrox moving the Elite Series to Hamburg Nike’s farm shoes (yes, really), Sophia Grant smashing the Via Alpina record, Josh Kerr’s mile + the long‑unchanged $50k bonus, Nuclear Tribe & Brutal Weekend updates But the heart of this episode is remembering Leon Hardwick. A true pillar of our community, taken far too soon. We’ll be...
info_outlineWhat does it take to conquer a technical Spartan course when you can’t see the obstacles in front of you?
In this episode, we sit down with James, a visually impaired adaptive obstacle course racer, to explore his incredible journey into the world of OCR. We dive deep into his experience competing on the global stage at the Spartan Para World Championships in Finland, breaking down the specific demands of that brutal course.
We also explore the vital, high-stakes dynamic between an adaptive athlete and their guide. James shares the story of how he found his guide for Finland and the immense trust required to navigate unpredictable terrain and technical rigs together at race pace. Whether you are a seasoned competitor in the adaptive racing community or stepping onto the start line for the first time, James’s insights offer a brilliant look into the resilience, problem-solving, and teamwork required to succeed in this demanding sport.
If you have any questions about the show or would like to explore advertising opportunities, feel free to reach out to us at admin@ukocr.com.
👉 Learn more about UKOCR by clicking here
💖 Enjoy what we do? Support us on Patreon for as little as £2 per month
☕🍺 or treat us to a coffee or beer — we truly appreciate it!