With more than 50 races in the UK alone, Obstacle Course Racing (OCR) is spreading like wildfire. Each race brings with it different challenges, ideas, and of course, obstacles. From super slides to freezing plunges, here’s five of the best.
Toughest – Super Slide
About: A five-storey water slide from which runners will be launched into the sky before plunging back into the ice cold water below.
Where: Pippingford Park, Surrey
When: 23 April 2016
Race Description: After dominating in the Nordics, this will be Toughest’s UK debut which will also act as a qualifier for the Obstacle Racing World Championships. The course is 8K long and will be made up of as many as 40 different new, unique and innovative obstacles.
Dirty Weekend – World’s Longest Monkey Bars
About: Pretty much what it says on the tin; 120m of monkey bars testing grip and upper body strength.
Where: Burghley House, Stamford, Lincolnshire
When: 7 May 2016
Race Description: This is the world’s largest obstacle course, with a staggering 200 obstacles covering 20 miles.
Tough Guy – Torture Chambers
About: A test of both physical and mental strength. With no more than three feet in height, runners are required to crawl from one side of a dark, underground cabin while being electrocuted from dangling dagger like tentacles.
Where: Tettenhall Horse Sanctuary, South Perton Farm, South Staffordshire
When: 10 April 2016
Race Description: With 250 obstacles, Tough Guy is designed to test participant’s fears of heights, tight spaces, fire, water and electricity.
Tough Mudder – Arctic Enema
About: The fun of a sliding start is short-lived as competitors plunge into an icy bath below. Worse yet, they will have to fully submerge themselves as they pass under a central wall to complete the obstacle.
Where: Culden Faw, Fawley, Henley on Thames
When: 30 April 2016
Race Description: A team-oriented 10-12 mile obstacle race that puts camaraderie over rankings. This race is designed to test physical strength and mental grit.
Nuclear Races – Zip Wire
About: Using a zip line participants will be expected to jump and glide over 30 metres of icy cold water to reach the other side.
Where: Brentwood, Essex
When: Next race is 14/ 15 May 2016
Race Description: Participants can choose between the 6K or the 12K course distances spread over gritty, muddy and obstacle loaded farmland.
