Obstacle races and mud runs are a rite of passage for fitness enthusiasts. Many see pictures of friends jumping over fire or crawling under barbed wire and want to join in on the fun. Before signing up for an obstacle race or mud run many participants want to know just what obstacles they might encounter in their mud run or obstacle race experience.
The Inaugural United States OCR Championships are just over 4 months away, kicking off on September 2 at YO Ranch HQ in Mountain Home, TX with the 3k short course followed by the 15k standard course on Saturday, 9/3. While some athletes are deciding on either the 3k or 15k or tackling both, the bigger decision comes from whether or not athletes need to - or should qualify for the Pro Division.
One of the most perplexing issues for those entering into the OCR world (Obstacle Course Racing) is figuring out what to wear to the first event! Most sports have a set standard and yet many are stumped when it comes to race day wear for obstacle races and mud runs. For nearly a decade, I have written on this subject.
The dog has long been referred to as a mans best friend. Many trail and some road runners would take that saying one step further stating a dog is a man (or woman's) best training partner. For years there have been a handful of road and some trail races that allow you and your favorite K9 companion to run and race side-by-side but until recently heading off to your favorite OCR the dog had to stay home.
The issue of what to wear to an OCR whether it be an obstacle race, mud run, or another event is always one of the first and most asked questions for many people in the sport. Once people have the main idea of what they want to wear to an event there comes a more personal question, should I go commando (without underwear) or wear underwear while racing.
Life hacks are popular across the board. In our busy world, looking for ways to increase our experience while decreasing the time and effort is the norm. Mud Run Guide consulted with the obstacle racing community to bring you some of the best hacks to help out for your next obstacle race or mud run. Here are some of the hacks the community has come up with.
To call Rat Race Dirty Weekend just an obstacle race would be an understatement. The weekend is about 30% about the race and 70% about everything else that takes place. The course set on a country estate looking like something out of Downton Abbey - a large English manor home set on sprawling estate grounds.
Tough Mudder has continued to revamp their offering year after year to adjust to the changing landscape of the obstacle racing industry. Not only do the obstacles continue to improve and change but the company continues to adapt as their athletes demand various challenges. Tough Mudder began in 2010 with a single 10-12 mile event with the ethos "this is a challenge and not a race." Millions have recited the pledge throughout the years.
Dragon Obstacle Course Race (OCR) is making its debut in Holly Springs, North Carolina in May. The new obstacle race is developed and designed by Charles Bailey, a longtime obstacle racing enthusiast. Bailey takes years of race experience in creating Dragon OCR.
All Out Adventure Series recently put on their annual Checkpoint Challenge. Checkpoint Challenge offers participants a chance to take a dip into Adventure Racing with a short 2-4 hour and 6-hour race. Both events offer participants an opportunity to try out the world of Adventure Racing and still make it home in time for lunch or dinner.
