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?
Though there isn't any kind of formal body that regulates the sport, an obstacle course race is a race/event where contestants have to complete a course that has many obstacles for the racers to traverse. And oftentimes at least one of the obstacles will include muddiness.
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.
Other obstacle course races are crafted with the average person in mind who just wants to pursue a fitness goal or who is looking for a fun weekend challenge. Obstacle course races like this are about 5 kilometers with obstacles that most individuals can complete as long as they are in decent shape. Participants may have to climb cargo nets, walk over a balance beam or crawl under barb wire. Generally participants will have the option to participate with a team in these events.
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).
With the exception of a few very competitive races, contestants are free to go around any obstacles they may not be able to do. In the competitive races, a competitor who cannot do an obstacle may not be eligible for awards or may have to wait in a "penalty box" for a few minutes.
In most of the races, contestants are not overly competitive and they do not take the event too seriously. Many times they wear silly costumes and oftentimes races include a free beer and a roaring after-party for all finishers. Perhaps this is part of the reason that these events have become so popular!
Obstacle course racing has inspired many people to reach their fitness goals. Why not see what all the hype is about?
Though there isn't any kind of formal body that regulates the sport, an obstacle course race is a race/event where contestants have to complete a course that has many obstacles for the racers to traverse. And oftentimes at least one of the obstacles will include muddiness.
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.
Other obstacle course races are crafted with the average person in mind who just wants to pursue a fitness goal or who is looking for a fun weekend challenge. Obstacle course races like this are about 5 kilometers with obstacles that most individuals can complete as long as they are in decent shape. Participants may have to climb cargo nets, walk over a balance beam or crawl under barb wire. Generally participants will have the option to participate with a team in these events.
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).
With the exception of a few very competitive races, contestants are free to go around any obstacles they may not be able to do. In the competitive races, a competitor who cannot do an obstacle may not be eligible for awards or may have to wait in a "penalty box" for a few minutes.
In most of the races, contestants are not overly competitive and they do not take the event too seriously. Many times they wear silly costumes and oftentimes races include a free beer and a roaring after-party for all finishers. Perhaps this is part of the reason that these events have become so popular!
Obstacle course racing has inspired many people to reach their fitness goals. Why not see what all the hype is about?
About the Author:
To find out more about mud running or the ideal way to go about getting in shape for an event like this, visit Mud Run Training. If you want to find out about events that will be in your areavisit the Mud Running Calendar .
0 comments:
Post a Comment