Practicing for the next challenge

If you find yourself wanting to prepare for a marathon or want to host a coordinated team-building exercise, the Boneyard Obstacle Course Race (OCR) compound may be the answer.

Owner Robert Day says the Boneyard is open to youths between the ages of 11 to 20 on Saturdays, adding that it is important to call in advance.

“Our website says it is by invitation only and the reason for that is because I have to set up for the number of people coming and for youth, there’s no cost,” Day said.

It is important to have a positive attitude.

“If you don’t have a positive attitude, you don’t get invited back,” Day said, adding events run at 10 a.m., 2 p.m. and 7 p.m. depending on the number of people and the weather.

While designed to be a challenge, Day said the events held at the Boneyard OCR compound are not meant for elite athletes.

“With obstacle course culture — most of the obstacles for most people require assistance and so you’re almost always being helped by a stranger or helping a stranger. The end hope is that we are successful in helping these kids build up their self-esteem, their body-image and their desire to participate in sports or team events and you know, it seems to be working,” Day said.

Started as a fluke, Day said the reason the Boneyard came into existence is because of his daughters.

“I have raised three girls and I wanted them to be involved in healthy, positive activities and about three years ago we were invited to an obstacle race called a Spartan race and we just loved it. I have 360 acres of land and we decided to make our own compound so that my daughters could train for their next event,” he said, adding word got around and soon complete strangers were showing up.

“Private groups come out for corporate team-building, athletic clubs and gyms looking to do more things outside and they pay a small fee, $50 per person, but that includes a barbeque and refreshments.”

Day said the compound is completely volunteer-based.

“Even the youth who come out, they’ll sometimes come earlier and help us clear the track of twigs and other debris,” he said, adding everyone does their part to ensure the compound is accessible and safe.

For more information or to book your own event, contact Day through the Boneyard OCR website at www.boneyardocr.com