Obstacle races have absolutely exploded in popularity in recent years. Perhaps you have seen ads for some of the most popular races like Spartan or Run For Your Lives. Everyone is covered in mud and looking tough by jumping over fire or crawling under barbed wire. But what's the exact definition of an obstacle course, anyway?
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 obstacle course races are crafted with the average person in mind who just wants to pursue a fitness goal or who is looking for a fun weekend challenge. Obstacle course races like this are about 5 kilometers with obstacles that most individuals can complete as long as they are in decent shape. Participants may have to climb cargo nets, walk over a balance beam or crawl under barb wire. Generally participants will have the option to participate with a team in these events.
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.
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 races have attracted many people who hadn't previously cared about fitness interested in pursuing new fitness goals. Want to get your feet wet? Try it out!
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 obstacle course races are crafted with the average person in mind who just wants to pursue a fitness goal or who is looking for a fun weekend challenge. Obstacle course races like this are about 5 kilometers with obstacles that most individuals can complete as long as they are in decent shape. Participants may have to climb cargo nets, walk over a balance beam or crawl under barb wire. Generally participants will have the option to participate with a team in these events.
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.
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 races have attracted many people who hadn't previously cared about fitness interested in pursuing new fitness goals. Want to get your feet wet? Try it out!
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To learn more about mud running or the ideal way to go about training for an event like this, check out Mud Run Training. If you want to find out about events that are coming to your areacheck out the Mud Running Calendar .
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