Obstacle course racing and mud runs are a fairly new in the world of extreme sports, though they’ve quickly become extremely popular. They are at once accessible to all, and challenging to fanatics, requiring a total-body fitness that goes beyond what most people are accustomed to. If you’re a fitness buff (and you should be in pretty good shape to participate in these) then get ready to pit yourself against something decidedly different. Obstacle Course Races (OCR) utilize a variety of obstacles, some of which border on diabolical; often inspired by military training.
One of the reasons OCR and mud run events have become so ubiquitous is that they’re more or less very simple to set up. All you really need are some obstacles, whether natural or manmade that are physically challenging to negotiate, and/or some mucky mud, meaning they can be held almost anywhere. And they are.
Making It Happen
If you’re thinking of tackling an OCR or a mud run, it’s a good idea to prepare for it seriously. Even if you’re doing it just for fun, be aware that they require both total-body strength and endurance. The ability to run, swim, climb, and eat mud are a definite plus.
The most popular online destination for enthusiasts is Mud and Adventure, with a worldwide directory of events, news, and general information. Mud Run Guide and Mud Run Fun are two other popular and useful sites.
Finally, and notably, on race day, avoid wearing your good sneakers.
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