Testing a Tough Fitness Trend
what to expect at an obstacle racecanada
(Jan.26.12)
Name
Obstacle Racing
What it is
A trail run combined with a variety of physical obstacles.
Why we love it
We don't have anything against running, but now and again we'd like to test more than our ability to put one foot in front of the other. Obstacle racing does just that, combining trail running with obstacles that challenge physical fitness and mental toughness. Courses range from five to 20 kilometres, and any given trail can include anywhere from ten to more than thirty obstacles along the way. Many are military-inspired, some are uniquely crazy (ice bath, anyone?), and there are a few that you'll see at almost every event: expect to belly crawl under barbed wire, shimmy through a tunnel, climb over something (OK, maybe a number of things), and cross the finish line wet and muddy. We think racing with a team is the most fun, but it's possible to go it alone as well. Non-runners should still be able to manage the shorter courses, and since you can skip any obstacle you aren't comfortable doing, there's really no excuse not to sign up!
Where to try it
There are a few race organizers holding events across Canada, and in the nearby United States. Warrior Dash courses are about five kilometres, and there's a party atmosphere encouraged at the end. Spartan Racing offers three distances, from five to twenty kilometres, and is great if you're looking to race against the clock. It's a challenge to complete a Tough Mudder, with plenty of hardcore obstacles spanning an average distance of 18 kilometres, but since Mudder's must pledge at the start line to put teamwork and camaraderie before course time, it's never hard to find a helping hand.
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