How Playground became Backyard
Backyard Bootcamp didn’t appear out of nowhere. We started life as Playground Bootcamp – a small OCR community training on a purpose-built assault course. When the Playground closed, we had a choice: let it end, or build something new. Backyard is that “something new” – same heart, fresh start, and a home we can grow together.
Where it started — Playground Bootcamp
Before Backyard, there was Playground Bootcamp. We coached on a dedicated assault course, helping people discover obstacle course racing, build confidence on walls, ropes and rigs, and feel part of a proper training community.
Real obstacles, real community
Sessions were built around teamwork, learning and pushing yourself at your own pace. We saw total beginners tackle their first walls and experienced racers refine technique before big events.
OCR at the core
From the beginning, everything was about OCR – Spartan, local races, and muddy challenges. The goal was always the same: build people who feel ready on the start line.
When the Playground closed
The closure of The Playground assault course hit hard. Overnight we lost our training home, our familiar kit, and the place where so many friendships had been formed. But what we didn’t lose was the community, the coaching, or the desire to keep going.
That’s where the idea for Backyard Bootcamp began – creating a space we could shape ourselves and keep the community together.
Building Backyard Bootcamp in Barrow
With the Playground gone, we moved to a new site on Church Road, Barrow (Bury St Edmunds). From there, it’s been a case of rolling up sleeves, rebuilding and improving – obstacle by obstacle.
New site, same spirit
The layout is evolving all the time – walls, rigs, carries and technical obstacles – but the feel is the same: coach-led, welcoming, and focused on helping you get better every single session.
Always developing
We’re continually improving surfaces, obstacle flow and training options at Barrow. Your feedback, and support through things like our crowdfund, directly shapes what we build next.
The journey so far
Coaching OCR-focused sessions on a dedicated assault course, building a loyal training community.
The Playground site closes. Instead of stopping, we start planning how to keep the community together.
New name, new identity, new site at Barrow – same commitment to proper coaching and supportive vibes.
Backyard Bootcamp runs regular sessions from Barrow. We’re growing the site, expanding coaching options, and laying foundations for the wider Backyard ecosystem.
What Backyard Bootcamp stands for
The obstacles might move, but the values stay the same.
Coaching that cares
Clear progressions, technical focus and honest feedback. We want you to feel confident on course, not just tired at the end of a session.
Community over ego
Friendly, encouraging and inclusive. We celebrate first-time completions as much as race podiums.
OCR at the centre
Every rig, carry and drill has a purpose – to help you move better, race smarter and enjoy the journey.
Always evolving
Backyard is still being built. New kit, better layouts and future services like PT and 1-to-1 coaching are all part of the plan.
A few moments along the way
From the early Playground days to build weekends and sessions at Barrow.
Help us build the next chapter
Your support helps us add new obstacles, improve the Barrow site and keep OCR training accessible for our community.