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?
While other sports such as triathlons have a regulating body, obstacle course racing and mud running don't have any kind of organization that makes regulations or defines what exactly an obstacle course race, or mud run, should entail. However, events that fall under this category often have contestants running a course with various obstacles scattered throughout, and generally a mud pit of some type is featured.
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.
But the vast majority of races are suitable for beginners and as long as you are moderately fit, you can train for and participate in one of these events. These beginner-level obstacle course races are about 5k and have ten to fifteen obstacles for participants to dodge, climb or balance on.
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).
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.
Most races maintain a very relaxed and casual atmosphere. Many people wear goofy costumes during the event and look forward to their free beer at the finish line party. This fun atmosphere is part of what has drawn in so many people to these types of events.
Sound fun? Why not give it a try!
While other sports such as triathlons have a regulating body, obstacle course racing and mud running don't have any kind of organization that makes regulations or defines what exactly an obstacle course race, or mud run, should entail. However, events that fall under this category often have contestants running a course with various obstacles scattered throughout, and generally a mud pit of some type is featured.
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.
But the vast majority of races are suitable for beginners and as long as you are moderately fit, you can train for and participate in one of these events. These beginner-level obstacle course races are about 5k and have ten to fifteen obstacles for participants to dodge, climb or balance on.
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).
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.
Most races maintain a very relaxed and casual atmosphere. Many people wear goofy costumes during the event and look forward to their free beer at the finish line party. This fun atmosphere is part of what has drawn in so many people to these types of events.
Sound fun? Why not give it a try!
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To get more information more about mud running or the ideal way to start training for an event like this, check out the Mud Run Training. If you want to see a list of events that will be in your state check out the the Obstacle Race Calendar
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