Last weekend, 5,000 people travelled to the Lake District to willingly undergo a form of torture: Total Warrior, a 10-mile obstacle race through fire, electrified wires and freezing water. Later this month, another 2,000 people will suffer similarly during the Spartan Race in East Sussex, a 5km sprint with 25 military-style challenges.
Obstacle races have existed in the UK since at least 1986, when Tough Guy began on a farm in Staffordshire, but it is only recently that they have seen mass participation. For example, when the Spartan Race began in the UK in 2010, it attracted 1,000 entrants. Last year, 25,000 people took part.
Research by Spartan found that five million people worldwide will take part in some kind of obstacle race in 2013, with the bulk of events in the US, Canada and the UK – though they have spread as far as India and China. The industry is estimated to be worth over half a billion dollars globally; Spartan alone has been valued at $50m (£30m).
Richard Lee, Spartan’s co-founder, says: “Triathlons have been steadily been increasingly in popularity but they require expensive equipment and a lot of training. With obstacle races, all you need is a pair of trainers.”
He adds: “It’s all about facing your fears and having fun at the same time. Most people have never been covered in mud, jumped in a river or climbed a high wall, but it gives you a great sense of accomplishment.”
If you’re tempted to try one, here are five of the biggest:
Tough Guy, Staffordshire
The original and probably still the best – not just due to the huge obstacles, but also to the fact that it takes place in January. Hypothermia is not unheard of.
Tough Mudder, UK and US
Tough Guy’s slicker cousin, with a longer run but less frightening obstacles. Everyone gets a pint when they cross the finish line, and the toughest customers can opt for a celebratory tattoo.
Spartan Race, global
Choose from the Sprint (5km), the Super (12km) or the Beast (25km). Too easy? Try the Ultra Beast in Vermont (50km) or the 48-hour Death Race.
Survival of the Fittest, UK
Most obstacle races take place in the countryside, but this is their urban equivalent: 10km assault courses in five cities across the UK.
Rat Race Dirty Weekend, Lincolnshire
Twenty miles and 200 obstacles – not for beginners …
Are you a fan of obstacle races, or have you had enough of “weekend warriors” boasting about how tough they are? Share your thoughts and race recommendations below.
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