If you are looking to mix up your racing schedule, Obstacle Course Races (OCRs) are are tons of fun and guaranteed to add some crazy variety to your runs. I’m excited to share the many OCRs on tap for the 2022 season. And, of course, I’m hoping I can squeeze them all in – or at least most of them! 🙂 You’ve got a few months before the season hits, so if you aren’t strength training yet – it’s time to start!
Rugged Maniac – July 2 @ Portland International Raceway
With 25+ obstacles, this 5K-ish course is truly “recess for grown ups.” A huge water slide, a warped wall, blow-up obstacles, mud, water, and quite the after-party make this event tons of fun for all ability levels. Participants get a t-shirt, medal (that doubles as a bottle opener), free race photos, and a free beer.
Mud, Sweat, and BBQ – August 13 @ Wooden Shoe Tulip Farm, Woodburn
This local 5K mud run includes 12-20 obstacles like mud crawls, hay bale climbs, a water slide, and more. All ages are welcome and there is no penalty for bypassing obstacles. A t-shirt and post-race garden party are included with the entry fee. This event is self-timed.
Tough Mudder – August 12-13 @ Washougal MX Park
Tough Mudder offers a 10K with 20 obstacles and a 5K with 13 obstacles. Entry includes a finisher shirt, headband, and beer. This OCR may seem a bit intimidating with obstacles like Artic Enema, Electroshock Therapy, and Gauntlet. However, there are no penalties if you skip/fail an obstacle.
Terrain Race – September 10 @ Mountain View Cycle Park, Sandy
This is possibly the most wallet friendly race if you register early! Currently, registration is FREE – almost! The “free” entry does include an insurance fee, venue fee, and charitable donation. T-shirt and medal are included with registration. This 5K-ish course with 15+ obstacles includes mud, monkey bars, ropes, and a whole lot more. Kids aged 2-10 can also join in on the fun at the Mini Monkey Run.
Spartan Sprint – September 17 @ Washougal MX Park
This 5K includes 20+ obstacles of varying degrees of difficulty. There are penalties for skipping/failing obstacles (30 burpees or sometimes a penalty loop), but if you enter the open division, you can enlist the help of your friends. Expect obstacles like a barbed-wire crawl, cargo net climb, wall climbs, a spear throw, monkey bars, and more. While this OCR is the most challenging of the listed events that I have participated in, it is my favorite. As they like to say, “You’ll know at the finish line.”
Kids can run their own 1-3K OCR that includes smaller versions of the adult event. Both kid and adult finishers receive a t-shirt and medal. 21 and over will also earn a free beer.
