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?
Unlike other sports like triathlon or cycling, there really isn't any kind of organization that governs or defines these events. However, most people would agree on the basic definition that an obstacle course race is an event where participants run thorough a course that contains various obstacles ranging in difficulty. More often than not, at least one (and usually many) of the obstacles involve a mud pit. That's why obstacle course races are often referred to as a mud runs.
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.
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 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!
Sound fun? Why not give it a try!
Unlike other sports like triathlon or cycling, there really isn't any kind of organization that governs or defines these events. However, most people would agree on the basic definition that an obstacle course race is an event where participants run thorough a course that contains various obstacles ranging in difficulty. More often than not, at least one (and usually many) of the obstacles involve a mud pit. That's why obstacle course races are often referred to as a mud runs.
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.
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 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!
Sound fun? Why not give it a try!
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To learn more obstacle course racing or the ideal way to go about getting in shape for an event like this, visit Mud Run Training. If you want to find out about events that will be in your areavisit the Mud Running Calendar .
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