It will not have escaped your attention that endurance obstacle course races (OCR) have been big business for a long time now. Many runners looking to add a little extra spice to their running routines have been enticed to slide, climb, crawl and swing their way to the finish line of obstacle races such as Spartan and Tough Mudder.
For those who don't know, OCR are cross-country courses designed to challenge not only a runner's cardio capability, but also their skill at navigating any number of obstacles.
In fact, being a competent runner is not necessarily enough to finish some of these races. You might find yourself pushing an exhausted friend over a greasy wall, swinging from the handle of a beer barrel above a freezing pond of mud or dragging your tired legs through waist deep water. Or, even getting electrocuted. Not your average parkrun, then.
What everyone's reading
If OCR sounds like something you'd like to try, then below are five of the best races from around the world that might just be the next challenge you're looking for.
Toughest
If the name wasn't a big enough clue, Toughest is an OCR event that has risen in notoriety as one of the most challenging races in Sweden and Norway. Featuring 2km 'fun' runs all the way up to elite level OCR events that see the best in the world compete, this one is perfect for those who are new to obstacle course races or looking to up their game.
Spartan Races
A global series renowned for pushing runners to their limits, Spartan Races happen across the UK, as well as in stunning foreign locations such as Hvar, Croatia. Here, you can race along rocky shores, dart through ancient city streets and even take a dip in the refreshing Adriatic Sea to overcome floating obstacles.
Tough Mudder
If you're after that coveted orange headband, Tough Mudder is the OCR for you. One of the original events in the UK, Tough Mudder caters for all OCR needs, with races varying in length from 3 miles to over 10 miles and featuring 12 obstacles all the way up to 20 obstacles or more. Either way, you're guaranteed to be challenged and get muddy.
The OCR Series
If you're one of those people who wants to go all in and race the very best, then the OCR Series could be your ideal fit. With 19km courses featuring over 40 obstacles, and penalties being given out if you miss certain obstacles and a DNF if you miss others, this really is no-nonsense obstacle course racing.
Runmageddon
With five formats ranging from a 3km race with 15 obstacles all the way up to a marathon with over 140 obstacles, the Runmageddon tagline of 'Prepare for hell' feels fully justified. Taking place in Poland, you can expect mud, water, fire, swamps, rope obstacles, slopes, vertical walls, barbed wire, trenches and more.
