Whose idea was this I remember thinking as, with feet throbbing, sweat running down my back, I tried to find somewhere cool to sit and rest. I’d been up and down all day trying to elbow (politely, mind) my way through the spectators, camera in hand to get as good a photograph as I could of each and every one of our New Zealand team members as they ran their race. It was hot in Florida – in the early 30 degrees, with 70 to 80% humidity … and I wasn’t used to it.
It was, in fact, my Hunter Gatherer’s idea to come participate in the FFC World Championships – ultimately to run with his boys and daughter in law in a family Relay race. He succeeded in convincing his sons into making their dad’s life long wish come true and I know our daughter in law would have been there too had she not had her own dreams to fulfill, and could interrupt her training for her upcoming Ironman Competition. Being a several times national, and regional top 3 place getter in the FFC competition, she is sure to smash out the Ironman in awesome time.
I don’t add much to the week but do a good ‘GO’ yell, and like to take photographs … oh, and shop … so decided to tag along. In fact I’m one of those superfluous to excess people (a bit like excess baggage) extra weight AND money! I have supported my family at 6 FFC World Champs and over 50 NZ regional and national FFC competitions since HG started competing 15 years ago, and the boys, one by one, not many years later. Between them all – and our beautiful D.I. L, they have attained 1 International title, 15 National titles, and many more regional titles … to say I’m a proud mum and ‘trouble and strife’ is an understatement. And, I am still blown away by the friendship and warmth of our NZ teams – this year for whom some was their first Worlds.
This competition has been touted as the toughest two minutes in sport … explosive cardio, weighted obstacles, and mental stress redefine the meaning of great competition on the Firefighter Challenge course. What began as a measurement of the physical demands of structural firefighters by exercise physiologist and former firefighter Dr. Paul Davis evolved into the first competition in 1991.
2023 World Champs saw 350 competitors from 17 countries. Competitors can choose to run in different categories – age, gender, tandem, team and individual are examples of a few – but the course is the same regardless of who is running which means the girls have to lift, carry, drag just the same as the guys. They run on either the blue or red track, and there are usually always two individuals/teams running at the same time but not necessarily against each other … it could be that your racing ‘buddy’ on the other track is running in the over 50y category, the timer stops the clock once the dummy’s feet are over the line recording your own personal time.
The course starts at the bottom of a tall tower, the competitor must carry 19kg hose up six flights of stairs with 10 steps each level. When reaching the top, the competitor must place the hose in a box.
Immediately following the hose placement, the competitor must pull up a 19kg hose roll to the top of the tower, using a hand-over motion pull.
Descending down the tower, touching the handrail and each step, the competitor hops on to the Keiser Force Machine, a forcible entry simulator, and uses a 4kg shot mallet to hammer an inserted beam 1.5m back.
Sprinting 42 metres, then hoisting a pressurized hose, they run for 23 metres through swinging doors, hitting a small target with the hose water.
The final phase requires the competitor to pick up an 80kg mannequin from the ground and drag it backwards for 30 metres. Times penalties are accrued for certain failures during the run. This year the fastest male ran this event in 1.17minutes, the fastest female in 2.01minutes!
It’s exciting to watch the fastest run, their energy and power is admirable, but it’s also exciting to see the competitors who achieve what they thought they couldn’t. I love catching the delight and satisfaction on their faces … all of them such brave people.
Despite being excess baggage, I have enjoyed this sport and being part of the Kiwi team supporters for so many reasons … it reaches far more than just running a race, or entering a competition. You can always tell the Kiwis from the rest of the world … they are the ones who fly under the radar, usually seen wearing short shorts, black tee shirts and singlets, with a true sense of self and a great sense of kind humor. They are all determined, resourceful and brave – they punch way above their weight.
Kia kaha, kia māia, kia manawanui … be strong, be brave, be steadfast.
Red Alders 