Obstacle course races haver certainly become incredibly popular in the last few years. You've maybe heard about the Warrior Dash or the Tough Mudder, or maybe you have seen advertising for the hundreds of other mud running events all over the world. But how exactly do you define an Obstacle Course Race?
Though there isn't any kind of formal body that regulates the sport, an obstacle course race is a race/event where contestants have to complete a course that has many obstacles for the racers to traverse. And oftentimes at least one of the obstacles will include muddiness.
This is the basic concept, but there are plenty of variations on that idea. Some of these competitions are very hardcore, and can last for a day or more. In these activities, competitors may end up running 50 miles or more and the obstacles they encounter are indeed very challenging.
Other races are more catered to the general public where pretty much anybody can train for and participate in a race. These beginner level races are about 3 miles long and include 10-20 obstacles that most fit people can do. Common obstacles require contestants to crawl under things, climb over things and balance on things.
Every state hosts at least one mud run every year, and big states like Texas host up to 40. The three most popular companies that put on these events are the Warrior Dash, the Tough Mudder and Spartan. However, there are many other companies that organize races on a national level, as well as some that operate on a local or regional level. Some of these companies have also adopted themes for their mud runs. For example, in Run For Your Lives, in addition to normal obstacles, participants escape a Zombie Apocalypse.
Except for in very competitive and serious races, there is not a consequence for going around an obstacle if a participant cannot do it. In competitive events, skipping an obstacle might disqualify a participant from awards or it might incur a penalty. Some races allow participants to receive help from others to clear obstacles.
In most of the races, contestants are not overly competitive and they do not take the event too seriously. Many times they wear silly costumes and oftentimes races include a free beer and a roaring after-party for all finishers. Perhaps this is part of the reason that these events have become so popular!
Obstacle course racing has inspired many people to reach their fitness goals. Why not see what all the hype is about?
Though there isn't any kind of formal body that regulates the sport, an obstacle course race is a race/event where contestants have to complete a course that has many obstacles for the racers to traverse. And oftentimes at least one of the obstacles will include muddiness.
This is the basic concept, but there are plenty of variations on that idea. Some of these competitions are very hardcore, and can last for a day or more. In these activities, competitors may end up running 50 miles or more and the obstacles they encounter are indeed very challenging.
Other races are more catered to the general public where pretty much anybody can train for and participate in a race. These beginner level races are about 3 miles long and include 10-20 obstacles that most fit people can do. Common obstacles require contestants to crawl under things, climb over things and balance on things.
Every state hosts at least one mud run every year, and big states like Texas host up to 40. The three most popular companies that put on these events are the Warrior Dash, the Tough Mudder and Spartan. However, there are many other companies that organize races on a national level, as well as some that operate on a local or regional level. Some of these companies have also adopted themes for their mud runs. For example, in Run For Your Lives, in addition to normal obstacles, participants escape a Zombie Apocalypse.
Except for in very competitive and serious races, there is not a consequence for going around an obstacle if a participant cannot do it. In competitive events, skipping an obstacle might disqualify a participant from awards or it might incur a penalty. Some races allow participants to receive help from others to clear obstacles.
In most of the races, contestants are not overly competitive and they do not take the event too seriously. Many times they wear silly costumes and oftentimes races include a free beer and a roaring after-party for all finishers. Perhaps this is part of the reason that these events have become so popular!
Obstacle course racing has inspired many people to reach their fitness goals. Why not see what all the hype is about?
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To learn more about an obstacle course race or the best way to start training for an event like this, check out the Mud Run Training. If you want to find out about events that are coming to your state check out the the Mud Running Calendar
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