First there was Tough Mudder, then there was Hell Runner, and now, it seems, each new week brings the creation a new obstacle course race claiming to be that little bit more extreme – muddier, longer, more painful (pain’s a common theme) – than those already in existence. But try as you might to resist the lure of man-made toughness (we tried our very hardest), eventually you will succumb. And, despite your deepest reservations (as we’ve long since found out), the chances are you’ll have more fun than you dare to admit.
Which is why, in spite of our run-centric, there’s-no-obstacle-like-a-good-hill selves, we’re quite excited by the recent announcement that there’s another OCR event on the horizon: the imaginatively named, Toughest obstacle race. Acting as a qualifier for the Obstacle Racing World Championships, the event – unique in its use of scaffolding to create a multi-tiered challenge – will grace the UK in the spring after proving hugely popular in the Nordics and, frankly, if it’s tough enough for those with Viking in their blood, it’s tough enough for us.
Here’s the lowdown:
Where?
Pippingford Park, East Sussex
When?
Saturday 23 April
How far?
8K
Number of obstacles:
40
Notable inclusions:
‘Dragons Back’ – participants jump 2.5 metres between five platforms placed 2.5 metres above the ground.
‘Super Slide’ – a five-story water slide which has an upwards ramp at the end to propel racers in to the air before they fall back down into the cold water below.
‘Flying Monkey’ – participants must jump, hang and swing if they are to make it to the end.
Entry:
Entry to the 2016 London event is now open and costs £75 per person. This price increases on 1 January to £85 and then again on 20 March to £95.
