Overcoming Obstacles: A Guide to Canadian Obstacle Course Races

Ever feel the need to be bigger, faster and stronger? How about testing your limits and pushing yourself to the edge? Once designed as a way to break you down both mentally and physically, obstacle course races are now challenging ordinary fitness enthusiasts like you and I, day in and day out.

Popping up left, right and center, high endurance obstacle course races have simply become a-way-of-the-fitness-world. Catering to beginner competitors up to elite athletes, these races will have you running hills, jumping over logs, crawling under barbed wire, digging through the mud, and ultimately, powering through. Question is, which race is best for you?

Spartan Race

Probably the most well-known of all the obstacle race challenges, the Reebok Spartan Race hosts over 60 events around the globe, and more or less sets the industry standards for obstacle course racing. Priding themselves on their slogan, “You’ll Know At The Finish Line,” the Spartan Race is designed to spark the warrior in us all.

Pros?

Something for Everyone:

Canada’s Race - With courses in almost every major city in Canada, there is no doubt the Spartan Race is one of the most accessible for all our fellow compatriots.

Cons?

Popularity Contest - Yes, it’s great that this race is so accessible to the Canadian masses, however because of this, it also fills up very quickly. If you feel the need to “discover your inner warrior,” think fast, and set your registration in stone.

Watch their YouTube vid here.

Tough Mudder

Found from East to West and definitely not for the faint-hearted, Tough Mudder is a gruelling test of one’s mental and physical strength and stamina. Challenging you to 18-20km of guts, glory and innovation, these obstacles are unlike any other.

Pros?

There’s No “I” in Team - Treated as an experience rather than a race, Tough Mudder throws away the stop watch, making you more inclined to work as a team and lend a helping hand to your fellow T.M’s.

Drink It Down - No t-shirt and medal here; Tough Mudder celebrates their athletes with a nice cold pint waiting for you at the finish line. Or maybe you want a lasting souvenir, well there is always the option to ink yourself onsite with the Tough Mudder logo as well.

Cons?

Obstacle Mayhem - With obstacle names including Arctic Enema, Electroshock Therapy, Trench Warfare, Ladder to Hell and Boa Constrictor, this race is for the toughest of tough. Tread lightly when tackling this challenge, as you never know what might burn your toes or spark electrocution.

$$$ - ‘Nuff said.

Need more? Watch their YouTube vid here.

Prison Break

Employing a bit of a different approach, Prison Break offers an obstacle course challenge with a twist. Rather than just going through the motions, this race will have you convicted of a crime you didn’t commit.

Pros?

Cops and Robbers - For those who tire of the lag time between obstacles, Prison Break will adorn you with three flags at the start of the race. Throughout the 5km course and between the 30+ obstacles, guards will chase you down for your flags. As always, three strikes and you’re out, or in this case, three flags.

Elite Wave - For those who want an actual race, there is always this option too. Free from flags and guards, the elite wave offers a strict race where your time will count.

Cons?

Into the Mud Hole - Show up at the finish line without any flags left, and to the mud hole you go. With such a dismal punishment awaiting, this may just be the motivation you’ll need to dodge those guards and be rewarded with a cold beer instead.

Watch their YouTube vid here.

Mud Hero

Welcome to a 100% Canadian owned and operated race built upon the foundation of fun, friends, fitness and filth, with the lead role played by: MUD! Covering 6km with 18 obstacles, Mud Hero is for those who not only want a challenge, but a great time as well.

Pros?

Fun, Fun, Fun - A great race for beginners, Mud Hero will have you cruising down mudslides and swimming through mud swamps. If the race isn’t enough fun, slap on your neon sunnies and stick around afterwards for the coveted Mud Bash BBQ.

Cons?

Mud Mania - MUD, MUD, MUD and everything MUD. This race will have you up to your eyeballs in the brown goo, so be prepared. And when we say be prepared, we mean, a change of clothes is a definite necessity and about a handful of showers may be in your near future.

Need more? Watch their YouTube teaser here.

Whatever you choose, stay strong, be brave, and ultimately release your inner beast.