Obstacle course racing includes large-scale mass participation events held mostly outdoors across multiple distances, ranging from 100 metres to ultra-marathon distances. The terrain is usually off-road or multi-terrain and involves technical footwork over mud, hills, and rough ground. Within the sport sits a broad family of event types, from races featuring whole-body obstacles such as walls, rope climbs, monkey bars, rigs, carries, and swims, through to mud runs that rely more heavily on natural features like water, mud, and uneven terrain.

Across the UK and around the world there are many races, championships, series, brands, teams, and training centres. When an athlete is unable to complete an obstacle, different penalties may apply and must be completed before continuing the race. Competitive events are chip timed, and the winner is the athlete or team who completes the course and any penalties in the fastest time. There are also relay formats, team events, and distances ranging from short sprints to classic course and ultra-distance races.

Are you new to obstacle course racing?