Obstacle course racing has become incredibly popular in the past decade. You have probably seen advertisements for events like the Spartan Race or the Warrior Dash. You know: the ads where participants are mud-covered as they leap over fires. But what is an obstacle course race, anyway?
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.
But beyond this very broad definition, there are many variations on this theme. Some runs are very extreme and last for 24 hours or more. In these events, the obstacles are extremely difficult and require a great deal of training.
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.
Throughout the United States, there are more than 500 obstacle course races every year, and millions participate in these events. The most popular obstacle course race is the Warrior Dash, but more than 40 companies produce similar events nationally. Some of these organizations have adopted themes for their series, such as the Hero Rush, where all of the obstacles resemble something a fireman would have to de (ie: climb ladders, slide down polls).
Only a few events penalize participants who are not able to complete every obstacle. In these events, the runners may not be eligible for awards or they might have to wait for a few minutes before being allowed to proceed. For most of the events, it is perfectly acceptable to skip obstacles that may be too difficult.
In many of the competitions, obstacle racers do not take themselves too seriously. Many events encourage whacky costumes, and almost all of them attract participants by promoting a big after-party at the end of the race. Free beer to all participants!
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.
But beyond this very broad definition, there are many variations on this theme. Some runs are very extreme and last for 24 hours or more. In these events, the obstacles are extremely difficult and require a great deal of training.
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.
Throughout the United States, there are more than 500 obstacle course races every year, and millions participate in these events. The most popular obstacle course race is the Warrior Dash, but more than 40 companies produce similar events nationally. Some of these organizations have adopted themes for their series, such as the Hero Rush, where all of the obstacles resemble something a fireman would have to de (ie: climb ladders, slide down polls).
Only a few events penalize participants who are not able to complete every obstacle. In these events, the runners may not be eligible for awards or they might have to wait for a few minutes before being allowed to proceed. For most of the events, it is perfectly acceptable to skip obstacles that may be too difficult.
In many of the competitions, obstacle racers do not take themselves too seriously. Many events encourage whacky costumes, and almost all of them attract participants by promoting a big after-party at the end of the race. Free beer to all participants!
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 find out more obstacle course racing or the best way to go about training for an race like this, check out Mud Run Training. If you want to see a list of races that will be in your areacheck out the Obstacle Race Calendar .
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