Canadian Mudd Queens

5k Foam Fest Canada Comes to Ottawa

This weekend Ski Edelweiss hosted the Ottawa 5k Foam Fest and many Eh Team Members checked it out and there seemed to be a general consensus that this was a great event.  Check out this review by Canadian Mudd Queens co-founder Kelly Ripley (seen above with the really unflattering look on her face).

5k Foam Fest Ottawa 2014

The OCR landscape seems to be constantly changing these days.  New companies popping up, and companies who try to get too big, too fast seem to be folding left and right… and this has left racers leery to stray from the big brands.  5k Foam Fest Canada is new to Canada in 2014 but the crew behind them, 365 Sports, are no strangers to planning and hosting events of this nature and it shows!

Parking was easy and well planned which in my opinion makes it worth the $10 fee.  They had actually marked off the lines for the cars to park as we have all seen past races at this venue where “haphazard lanes” resulted in lots of blocked cars.  There was also no fee for spectators which made this truly a great family event!

Racers arrived and signed waivers and made their way through registration in decent time (lines were by last name or a team registration line).  You received a bib and safety pins and could stop by the tattoo station if you wished, then right into the awesome festival grounds.  Gear and food for sale, lots of fun inflatables for the kiddies, a jousting arena, and of course Sky Jump for the “big kids” as well. Sky Jump was the only activity with a fee $3 or 2/$5).

After registration you could make your way to the start line as you wished.  The foam was flowing, music pumping and an MC interacting with waiting racers.  They released waves every 10 -15 minutes which meant no long waits.  But to be honest the start line was a blast so it really didn’t feel like waiting at all!

Racers set out onto the approx. 5k course which consisted of some ups and downs (it is a Ski hill after all) but the climbs were very manageable for all fitness levels.  Obstacles were well spaced, well-built and FRIKKIN HILARIOUS!!!  They ranged from inflatables FILLED with foam, and slip and slides to some of the more familiar OCR obstacles – spider webs, cargo nets, and mud pits – to some new and more challenging additions like the lily pads (a run across floating pads), and death drop (the highest inflatable slide around). 

The course had lots of photogs and they were all super friendly.  Volunteers at every obstacle that required any guidance were encouraging and playful.  We played at a few obstacles for extended periods as they were so fun.

The finish line had some great swag.  Gorgeous medals and SUPER nice quality tees (available in multiple designs for each men and women so be sure to check them out at a few different races to build your collectionJ). 

Waiting just past the finish line was another photog (with a branded background), and free Electrolyte popsicles!  They also offer a free beer but I didn’t partake J

Before leaving we met with the owner who was making a point of interacting with and getting feedback from the racers (BRILLIANT!).  Jesse was great and his excitement and passion are unmistakable!  Most notable though was his clear focus on racer experience.  THIS is what will set this company apart from the others.  If you see him at one of the 3 remaining 2014 races don’t be afraid to say hi! (see the list of upcoming events at www.5kfoamfest.ca)

Long story short (maybe I should have started with this) 5k Foam Fest Canada is a fun, family appropriate event that anyone who can set their competitive nature aside for a day, should add to their race roster.  Prices are extremely reasonable (they are currently offering a $39.99 special price so don’t miss out) and the value far exceeds the price.  Most fun race I have done to date BAR NONE!