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UMGR Teams
Ultimate Master Guide Race Teams

Texas Conference Master Guide Camporee

Introduction

The Ultimate Master Guide Race Teams is an extreme endurance event that pushes Master Guides to their physical and mental limits. Teams work together to conquer a demanding 5+ mile course featuring over 20 unique obstacles and rugged terrain. This challenge is designed to test strength, strategy, and teamwork, ensuring that only the most resilient and cooperative teams cross the finish line together.

Event Objectives

  • Challenge Mastery: Conquer 20+ obstacles involving climbing, crawling, carrying, and problem-solving.

  • Endurance Test: Complete a 5+ mile course with varied terrain and elevation changes.

  • Team Excellence: Demonstrate the strength and perseverance of working together as a Master Guide team.

Requirements

Eligibility: The event is open to all certified Master Guides.

Team Selection: Each team consists of four participants. Clubs may enter multiple teams, but only one designated Elite team will compete for points.. Teams may be composed of members from different clubs. Each team must include at least one female member.

  • Fitness Level: Regular training recommended (minimum 3 workouts/week).

  • Safety Protocol:

    • Signed waiver mandatory

    • Physician clearance strongly recommended

    • On-site medical checks available

Required Gear

  • Team Shield: A team octagonal shield based on the Master Guide logo.

  • Footwear: Athletic shoes with strong traction (well-broken-in recommended).

  • Upper Body: Club T-shirt or moisture-wicking top (expect heavy dirt/mud).

  • Lower Body: Durable leggings or long shorts with compression/base layers for obstacle navigation.

  • Hand Protection: Padded work or gardening gloves (grip-enhancing preferred).

  • Hydration System: Hands-free water pack or belt (minimum 1L capacity). Test during training to ensure security during obstacles.

 

Team Shield

Each team is required to provide their own Master Guide logo octagonal shield. To ensure availability, large clubs must bring extras and should coordinate sharing them with clubs in later time slots.

 

Construction of the Shield:

  • Make the shield from 3/4" plywood forming an octagonal (8 sides).

  • The dimensions should be 4' x 4'.

  • Teams are encouraged to paint and decorate it.

 

Design Feature:

Cut handhold notches into each of the eight sides. This will allow the team to easily grip and carry the team shield while navigating obstacles.

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Participant Protocol

 

Pre-Race Preparation

  1. Registration:

    • Complete registration in person on Friday evening to receive your team(s) race number and time slot.

  2. Number Marking:

    • Before race day (Sunday), write your race number (registered number) on both upper arms using a black Sharpie.

    • Numbers must be:

      • At least 3" tall.

      • Fully visible during obstacles.

Race Day Procedures

  1. Check-In:

    • Arrive at the check-in table/starting line 15 minutes before your assigned wave with your team members and your Master Guide logo octagonal shield.

    • Numbers and start times will be verified.

  2. Start Sequence:

    • Waves begin at 7:00 AM, departing every 15 minutes.

    • Start signaled by air horn blast and or waving of the Master Guide flag.

  3. Late Arrival Policy:

    • Missing your wave may result in elimination.

    • Final wave entry allowed only if space is available and approved by the race coordinator.

Course Rules

  1. Shield Handling:

    • At least 2 team members must have a hold of the Master Guide logo octagonal shield while traveling between obstacles and for specific team obstacles. A few obstacles are not designed to be used with the shield and will be marked.

  2. Course Navigation:

    • Follow flag markers at all times.

    • Penalties for shortcuts:

      • Go back to the previous station and perform 30 burpees at the penalty zone.

      • Potential disqualification for repeated violations.

  3. Safety Compliance:

    • Obey all verbal instructions from course volunteers immediately.

  4. Completion Standards:

    • All movement styles (run, walk, crawl) permitted.

    • Official time recorded when torso crosses the finish line.

  5. Finish Protocol:

    • Report directly to timing officials.

    • Verbally provide your race number for recording.

Obstacle Protocol

  1. Immediate Progression Rule:

    • Complete each obstacle upon arrival and move to the next station.

    • Violation: Impeding others results in a penalty.

  2. Queue Management:

    • If obstacle stations are occupied, form an orderly queue.

    • Violation: Line-cutting is prohibited and penalized.

  3. Obstacle Familiarization:

    • Review obstacle specifications, including:

      • Proper completion techniques

      • Failure conditions

      • Associated penalties

    • Clarify uncertainties with the obstacle judge before attempting.

  4. Instruction Priority System:

    • Live instructions (from briefings or at obstacles) supersede written materials.

    • Modifications may occur due to:

      • Safety concerns

      • Weather or environmental factors

      • Event-specific adaptations

Penalty Zone Operations

  • Designated Areas: Clearly marked penalty zones near specific obstacles.

  • Enforcement Protocol:

    • Complete penalties within assigned zones.

    • Officials will verify proper execution and completion.

  • Course Etiquette:

    • Performing penalties outside designated areas is unsportsmanlike.

    • Obstructing the course with unauthorized penalty exercises is prohibited.

  • Reference: See "Official Burpee Standards" for required form and technique.

 

 

Penalty

A burpee will be used for all penalties.  Burpees will be done by all team members.  Instructions to complete a burpee:

  • Squat: Begin in a squat position with your hands on the floor in front of you.

  • Kick back: Kick your feet back behind you into a plank position.

  • Push-up: Lower your chest to the floor in a push-up.

  • Return to squat: Push back up and then jump or step your feet back to the squat position.

  • Jump: From the squat, stand up and immediately jump into the air with your arms extended overhead.

 

 

 

 

Training Plan

  1. Build an Aerobic Base

Since this is a running-focused event, develop endurance with a progressive running plan:

  • Frequency: Run 3 days per week (start on trails if possible).

  • Intensity: Begin at an easy, sustainable pace.

  • Progression: After adapting, increase intensity:

    • 1 hard run (tempo or hill repeats)

    • 1 sprint session (short, explosive intervals)

    • 1 long, easy run (gradually extend duration).

 

  1. Develop All-Around Fitness

The race demands strength and athleticism. Incorporate:

  • Key Exercises: Burpees, Bear Crawls, Jumping, Pull-Ups.

  • Frequency: 2–3 days per week, 10–15 minutes per session.

  • Goal: Build "obstacle immunity" by improving power, endurance, and movement efficiency.

 

  1. Obstacle-Specific Training

Simulate race challenges to prepare:

  • Bucket Carry: Walk stairs with a 5-gallon water jug.

  • Grip & Swing: Practice monkey bars (playgrounds work!).

  • Pool Training: Climb out from the deep end (no ladder).

  • Rope Climbing: Learn proper foot/hand techniques.

  • Burpee Challenge: Complete 30 burpees daily for 30 days.

Note: Adjust intensity based on fitness level and prioritize consistency over speed.

 

Training videos

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Event Details

​Download the document

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