Alan and Ian have a cosy, chaotic, typical Swift Half blend of OCR chat, Christmas leftovers, Hybrid racing and community updates.

In this festive‑flavoured episode, Ian and Alan swap Christmas stories, from Secret Santa OCR survival kits to surprise Tough Mudder infinity tickets. They dive into the highs and lows of this year's Christmas ads, explore alcohol‑free dining gems, and even plan a potential tapas‑style meet‑up in Sowerby Bridge. The pair chat about listening bars, tech‑free pubs, and the joy of gifts that hit the mark — including Ian's long‑awaited model kits.

There's also the long‑overdue patron prize draw, updates on the OCR Awards, and a reminder to get those votes in before January 11th.

From BBC licence debates to inflatable kettlebells in Stockholm, kissing‑booth Christmas races in Sweden, and the wild concept of ATHX Air flights to Paris, the episode is also packed with quirky festive finds suggested by the pub regulars

They round things off with HYROX updates, McTuff race planning, and the importance of mapping out your 2026 race calendar.

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Alan is joined by Wil Chung and Gavin Hogarth for a deep dive into the full shortlist for the 2025 UKOCR Awards. From standout athletes to unforgettable events, the trio break down every category, share insights from across the OCR community, and celebrate the people and races that made this season special.

Whether you're passionate about elite performances, grassroots heroes, junior athletes, or the events that brought us all together, this episode gives you everything you need to cast an informed vote.

✅ Ready to have your say? Click the link to vote for your favourites in the 2025 UKOCR Awards — and make sure your voice helps shape this year's winners. VOTE HERE

📣 Don't forget to share the voting link on social media to help spread the word and celebrate the athletes, organisers, and volunteers who make OCR what it is.

🎟️ Want to be there on the night? Book your seat for the UKOCR Awards here: BOOK A SEAT

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It's the most chaotic time of the year, and the Swift Half crew are back with a festive twist! 🎄 This week's episode mixes mince pies with mayhem as the gang unwraps their Secret Santa surprises—expect laughter, banter, and maybe a few questionable gifts.

But it's not all tinsel and crackers:

• 🏃 Breaking News: BOS call an emergency meeting that could shake up the OCR scene.

• 🥇 Podium Drama: DEKA athletes can double dip—what does it mean for podiums

• 🧩 Deadly Dozen Institute: A new challenge beckons, promising grit and glory.

• 🙌 Volunteers in the Spotlight: The unsung heroes finally get the headlines they deserve.

Whether you're here for the festive fun or the latest OCR updates, Episode 251 delivers a stocking full of stories, laughs, and community spirit.

If you have any questions about the show or would like to explore advertising opportunities, feel free to reach out to us at [email protected].

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Alan and Ian celebrate a milestone episode with a packed mix of race results, gear talk, and community updates:

• 🏋️ AFX Pro Competition & Limitless Challenge – Weekend highlights, top teams from the AFX Pro finals, Alex Yee's marathon breakthrough, and praise for adaptive athlete Bea and her team.
• 📊 Podcast Stats & Gear Releases – Strava mileage shoutouts (including Alan's Mate - Jamie's 2,400 miles!), listener binge stats, and new fell-running shoes from Original Mountain Marathon.
• 👟 Puma Hyrox Deviate Elite – Bright pink, bold tread, and Ninja wall testing—set to launch February 19th.
• 🏟️ London Event Challenges – Judge shortages, wall ball congestion, and lessons learned for smoother race management.
• 🤝 OCR Volunteering & Race Updates – Opportunities at Overlord, HYROXS compensation offers, Spartan's 300 Collective, and British success at the Deka World Championships.
• ⚡ Controversial Coaching Incident – Debate over athlete intervention at a world championship, plus news on the UK OCR Awards launch and East Midlands DEKA's September return.

It's a milestone mix of competition results, gear insights, and community stories—perfect for fans of OCR and fitness racing

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Alan, Ian, and Will dive deep into the mud-splattered legacy of Rat Race events, from urban treasure hunts to global adventure epics.

• 🏁 Origins & Evolution – From bar crawls and treasure hunts to Mongolia and America, the crew traces Rat Race's transformation into a premium adventure brand.
• 🏃 Race Memories – Dirty Weekend, Deer Stalker, Runstock, River Rat Race, and more—each event gets its moment, with stories of pirate boat jumps, canal swims, and nettle-infested trails.
• 🎪 Festival Vibes – Runstock's family-friendly loops and Dirty Weekend's legendary after-parties bring the OCR spirit to life.
• 💬 Personal Firsts & Fails – Wrong shoes, flyer mishaps, and missed opportunities—Alan, Ian, and Will share the highs and lows of their Rat Race journeys.
• 💡 Community & Charity – The impact of Dirty Weekend on Children with Cancer UK and the supportive village feel of Deer Stalker highlight Rat Race's heart.
• 🎧 Vinny's Outro – A fresh perspective on today's Rat Race events rounds out the episode with insight and reflection.

This episode is a celebration of grit, growth, and good times, perfect for OCR fans who've ever jumped a beer barrel or danced at a finish line.

If you have any questions about the show or would like to explore advertising opportunities, feel free to reach out to us at [email protected].

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From scorching Spartan battles to spooky seasonal fun, Alan and Ian pack this episode with race results, athlete updates, and plenty of laughs.

• 🌍 Race Highlights – OCR European Champs, Spartan Tenerife, and Spartan Abu Dhabi, where Libby Joyce battled the desert heat. Plus, British athletes securing strong finishes despite the challenges.
• 🎃 Seasonal Shenanigans – Paula's mischievous Advent calendar raid, wrapping paper woes, and drinks chat (Peroni 0.0 vs Vimto fusion). The duo also preview Nuclear Blackout Trick or Treat and a haunted maze adventure.
• 🏃 Running Nostalgia – Blackpool Illuminations, Manchester Cheshire Way, Huddersfield's pie-fuelled Pyathlon, and the endurance-testing Viper race at Delamere Forest. Alan and Ian even discover they unknowingly raced the same event.
• 🌐 Global Trends – UK athletes traveling far and wide, from Melbourne's High Rocks to Fort Lauderdale's DeKa World Championships. Plus, a muddy dog-friendly KERNOW Killer K9 race on the horizon.
• 🏅 OCR & Fitness Racing Updates – ATHX Finals in Birmingham, HYROX Excel's one-loop course, Hang On Run with Shylla Dahaney shining, and mixed reactions to upcoming HYROX events including a Mediterranean cruise.

This episode blends race reviews, athlete performances, and community stories with the trademark Swift Half banter—perfect for OCR fans who love both grit and giggles.

If you have any questions about the show or would like to explore advertising opportunities, feel free to reach out to us at [email protected].

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This week we take a trip down memory lane with a twist—rewinding all the way to the very first Swift Half Podcast. Relive the laughs, the raw energy, and the spark that started it all, while reflecting on how far the OCR community has come.

Alongside the nostalgia, we bring you fresh updates:

• 🏆 UKOCR Series –
• 🎖️ The Awards –
• 🌾 Farmyard Jam –

It's a perfect blend of history and headlines—OCR stories past and present, stitched together for fans old and new.

This week, Ian and Alan dive into a packed mix of OCR news, weekend stories, and fitness racing updates:

• 🏃 Race Rebranding & Weekend Highlights – Nuclear Races rebranding as Nuclear Essex, British Champs previews, and a new OCR crossover fitness race.
• 🎄 Movies & Christmas Lights – A cinema trip, Rochdale's festive switch-on, and creative ideas for honoring past OCR events at the UK Awards.
• 🥇 OCR Awards & Race Updates – March 28th in Kilmarnock brings medals, disco, and celebrations. Plus, Black Friday deals, Spartan Sprint discounts, and the quirky new Total Warrior bottle-opener medal.
• 📱 Running Tech & Gear – From wind-cheating apps to dog radar devices, cold-weather running challenges, and waterproof kit deals.
• 💪 Fitness Racing Initiatives – Puma's London shoe launch, Deadly Dozen's "Deadly Barbell," and growing collaboration across fitness racing brands.

It's a lively mix of race talk, festive fun, and future fitness innovations you won't want to miss!

If you have any questions about the show or would like to explore advertising opportunities, feel free to reach out to us at [email protected].

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Alan, Ian, and Will are back with another round of muddy reflections—this time diving into the quirkiest, grittiest, and most unforgettable OCR events from years gone by.

🧗‍♂️ From evacuation sock descents on "The Mountain" to cake-fueled chaos at Furlong Farm's 5K Cake-a-thon, the crew highlights the wild creativity of UK OCR events. Alan shares tales from Muddy Furlong, complete with pond slides and bargain entry fees.

🏃‍♂️ The trio revisit races like King of the Hill and the Saviour Race—born from a cancellation but remembered for its community spirit. Ian gives props to Zeus Race at Mud7, while Alan and Ian praise Dirty Dozen's legendary obstacle builds by Doug the Beard.

📏 Historical chaos reigns with mismeasured madness at The Suffering race weekend, where 5Ks became 9Ks and burpees were the price of failure. Urban Attack's BMX sprint format and indoor obstacles like Tsunami get a shoutout, alongside frosty regrets from Ian's cotton-clad Frostbite experience.

🎪 Airfield Anarchy and Retro Fest round out the episode with medal memories and muddy misadventures. The crew tease what's next—Dirty Weekend and a deep dive into Rat Race's wildest offerings

If you have any questions about the show or would like to explore advertising opportunities, feel free to reach out to us at [email protected].

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Alan and Ian are back with a jam-packed episode covering everything from triathlon chaos to fitness racing futures:

It's an episode that blends sport, storytelling, and strategy—with a splash of fermented orange juice and a dash of Coconut Grove confrontation

🏊‍♂️ Dubai T100 Farce – Lap count confusion, athlete voting, and what it means for race integrity. 🏋️ Hyrox Dublin & Beyond – Adventure-style formats, flex tickets, and penalty-laden doubles debuts. 🥇 Spartan & Ultra Updates – New trifecta medals, shield rewards, London South Ultra discounts, and Deca Ultra expansion. 🏃 Running in the Rain – Gear tips, anti-chafing hacks, freezer bag tricks, and Alan's article on wet-weather benefits. 🎧 Podcasting Insights – Audio quality, editing essentials, and why fewer voices make stronger conversations. 🔥 McTuffX & Fitness Futures – Ambitious new series, marketing strategies, and the Gladiator Experience at NEC 2026. 📚 Community & Awards – Joke books, patron giveaways, and a reminder to vote for the UK OCR Awards shortlist!

If you have any questions about the show or would like to explore advertising opportunities, feel free to reach out to us at [email protected].

👉 Learn more about us by clicking here💖 Enjoy what we do? Support us on Patreon for as little as £2 per month

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