Mud runs and obstacle races are extremely popular because they allow us to tap into our biological urge to conquer (and, if we’re being honest, they’re also an excuse to post some really fun photos to Facebook).
So don’t be a stick in the mud—get your friends together and get moving at any of these obstacle races across the country.
BoneFrog Challenge Series
Varied Dates and Locations 1 of 7
Get down and dirty like a Navy SEAL in the BoneFrog Challenge series. Race the obstacle course that was designed with combat in mind. According to the founder of BoneFrog, Brian Carney, BoneFrog obstacles are "a little more rugged obstacles with not as much of the slip and slide and fun." But that definitely doesn't mean you won't have an absolute blast tackling a sprint (5K), challenge (8 miles), tier-1 (11 miles) or endurance challenge.
Find a
race.The Original Mud Run
Various Dates and Locations 2 of 7
The Original Mud Run bills itself as, well, the original mud run. And with that kind of expertise, expect to get exceptionally dirty. The race features a variety of challenges like Gorilla Ropes (think monkey bars, but with ropes), the Mine Field (crawling under a cargo net while dodging simulated mines) and Tire Mountain—which is a double entendre, because it's both a mountain made of tires, but will also tire you out if you don't approach it with the respect it deserves. Like we said: exceptionally dirty.
The race includes two courses: a 5K with 18-plus obstacles and a 10K with 30-plus obstacles. Both courses are appropriate for runners 12 years and older.
Find a
race.Renegade Run Obstacle Course Race
October 20, 2019 in Hingham, Massachusetts 3 of 7
Time to take your obstacle racing to a whole new terrain with the Renegade Run in scenic Hingham, Massachusetts. You will find over 25 obstacles spread over 4 miles with monkey bars to cross, walls to climb, tunnels to crawl through and a giant cargo net climb.
The Renegade Run concludes with a celebratory live concert with food and drinks, but if that's not enough to convince you to sign up, the run is also a fundraiser to fund research to find a cure for type-1 diabetes, a disease that affects about three million Americans.
Find a
race.Del Mar Mud Run
March 27, 2020 in Del Mar, California 4 of 7
The Del Mar Mud Run is back for its 10th year to bring you the muddiest, slipperiest race you'll ever run. This 5K, held in beautiful Del Mar, California, has a plethora of mud pits and mud slides as obstacles—opposed to the more hardcore obstacles found in Tough Mudder or Bone Frog events. This unique event ends with foam showers and an after party unlike any other. All participants receive their first beer free, a limited edition 2018 event t-shirt and more at the race expo.
Find a
race.Spartan Races
Various Dates and Locations 5 of 7
Highlander Assault
September 21, 2019 in Holiday Hills, Illinois 6 of 7
Sign up for the Highlander Assault Obstacle Series and take on this grueling but fun event. Featuring a 4-mile, 20 obstacle option and an 8-mile, 27 obstacle option, there's a race distance for every athlete ready to take on the challenge. You can even take on both courses and tackle 12 miles and 50 obstacles or 24 miles with 100 obstacles! The event also features Highlander Village, where you'll find a DJ, kids courses, food vendors, beer and more. Join the battle!
Find a
race.
Get ACTIVE on the Go
Couch to 5K®
The best way to get new runners off the couch and across the finish line of their first 5K.
Available for iOS | Android
Discuss This Article