New to obstacle racing? Here are 3 types you can try

Obstacle racing has gained much more notoriety in the past few years, appealing to those of us who enjoy a little challenge in our lives and want to put our bodies to the test. However, due to the fact that obstacle racing isn’t as mainstream as other events and sports, it can be a little hard to get into – you may not even know where to start. Well, the best place to start is at the very beginning, and that’s why knowing the different types of obstacle racing is so important.

In this article, we will take a look at three types of obstacle racing you can try to see which best suits your tastes. Let’s get right into it.

Mud runs

First up, we have mud runs. Mud runs are one of the most popular forms of obstacle course racing, often appealing to a wider audience base and attracting people from a range of backgrounds. The premise of a mud race is simple – you slog through the mud and overcome obstacles to get to the finish line.

In many cases, getting to the finish line is often a feat in of itself. Difficulty varies widely, with popular circuits like Tough Mudder offering a moderate level of difficulty that is doable by most people with a little preparation and training. There are also easy mud runs designed for people of all ages, as well as extremely difficult tracks that only the bravest tackle.

Due to the fact that mud runs are the most popular type of obstacle course, there is often a ton of choice and opportunity when it comes to location, date and difficulty. While they aren’t as popular as traditional marathons and half marathons, you’ll likely be able to find something close by that suits your tastes and preferences. They can be a great introduction to the wonderful world of obstacle course racing.

Spartan races

The next type of course we would like to mention is Spartan races. These races tend to be a little more rigorous than mud races in general, with the minimum distance usually being around three miles. Some tracks are even full marathon length, at around 24 miles, while having a plethora of difficult obstacles to overcome.

Spartan races are a mixture of mud races and ninja warrior-style races. They often take place in the mud and give participants challenges to overcome, such as monkey swings, hurdles, crawling under obstacles and much more. They are less forgiving than the majority of mud runs and are usually only attempted by fit individuals who want to challenge themselves.

Spartan racing isn’t as popular as other forms of racing, but it is still one of the better-known sports betting categories. Betting is commonplace in Spartan racing – the thrill and excitement of this type of race goes hand in hand with betting.

Regardless, you’ll be able to find Spartan races if you search hard enough. They aren’t that difficult to come across.

Ninja warrior-style races

Last but not least, we have ninja warrior-style races. Have you ever seen Ninja Warrior on TV, where ripped men and women try to get through a difficult obstacle course in record time? Well, this is the exact same concept.

Unlike the other types of obstacle course we have mentioned, ninja warrior-style races are short but very difficult. It might take only 10 or 20 minutes to complete this type of race, but many wouldn’t even be able to complete one at all.

These races feature obstacles that require almost inhuman strength, balance, stamina and coordination to get through, and the average person would likely stand no chance at getting to the finish line.

Of course, there are different levels of difficulty – not all ninja warrior-style races are a fight to the death. However, the majority of them are extremely difficult and should only be attempted by people in great shape.

It can be a little hard to come across ninja warrior-style races – they are not as common as mud races or Spartan races. This means you may have to travel a fair distance to participate, or settle for a date that isn’t ideal.

However, if you have years of strength and endurance training behind you and want to give yourself a real challenge, there is no better way to go than trying ninja warrior-style races. Only the best of the best are able to get competitive times.

Conclusion

So, do you think you are going to give any of the obstacle race courses we mentioned a try? If so, just head over to an obstacle racing calendar and find something that suits you. While obstacle racing isn’t as popular as other events, there is still quite a bit of choice out there. Chances are, you will be able to find something relatively close that appeals to you. If not, don’t worry! Something is bound to come up soon.

Whether you participate in Tough Mudder or a local ninja warrior event, there is nothing quite like the thrill of obstacle course racing. Have fun!