Written by Diego Nieves
in Uncategorized
What better way to kick-start the new year than with planning, training, and signing up for your first obstacle course race? With several events re-opening across the country, here is an updated list of the best, life-changing mud run races you must try in 2021.
- The Spartan Race
- Tough Mudder
- Savage Race
- Bonefrog
- OCR World Championship
- GORUCK
- MudGirl
- Muddy Princess
- Rugged Maniac
- Nuclear Races/ UK
It is worth mentioning that all of these event organizers follow and implement rigorous and safety measurements for Covid-19. Please keep in mind, based on their locality, some of these measurements might differ.
Spartan Race
Spartan Race is, without a doubt, the leading obstacle race event organizer in the world. In 2021 Spartan has scheduled over 200 plus events worldwide. From Kids Races, 5K’s, Ultra Beast to 24 HR challenges. Spartan Race has an event that will challenge you and push you out of your comfort zone.
Spartan Race, CEO Joe De Sena, main mission is to get 100 million people off the couch. With this goal in mind, he has design Spartan Races for everyone no matter their fitness level. If you are completely new to the sport, sign up for the open heat. As you get better, you can always sign up for the age-group or elite heat.
If mud and obstacles is not your thing, Spartan Race has expanded their horizon and is now challenging runners to participate in their Trail Running Series events. From 5k to 50k you will be running in some of the most iconic trails and beautiful locations.
| EVENT | DISTANCE | OBSTACLES | DIVISION |
| SPRINT | 5k | 20 | OPEN AGE- GROUP ELITE |
| SUPER | 10K | 25 | OPEN AGE- GROUP ELITE |
| BEAST | 25K | 30 | OPEN AGE-GROUP ELITE |
| THE ULTRA | 50K | 60 | OPEN AGE- GROUP ELITE |
| STADION | 5K | 20 | OPEN AGE- GROUP ELITE |
| WORLD CHAMPIONSHIP | 25K | 30 | OPEN AGE- GROUP ELITE |
Spartan Death Race
For the hardcore endurance athletes out there, Spartan has one of the toughest events in the world. Joe De Sena called it “The toughest race in the world period”. We are talking about the Death Race. Some of the insane challenges included in this event are; 3000 burpees, the Guinness World Record of 12-hr crawl under barbed wire, among many others.
“The Spartan/ Peak Races Death Race is the world’s toughest race period. I’m to take things up a notch, so there is never a discussion again.”
Joe De Sena
Tough Mudder
Tough Mudder put out fantastic events full of challenging obstacles and fun. They made a name for themselves with their infamous “Electricshock Therapy” obstacle. This obstacle alone is what made this race event so feared and attractive at the same time.
For the 2021 calendar, Tough Mudder has 21 events in the United States and Canada. And 7 events in the United Kingdom. Tough Mudder offers distances from 5k to 24-hour challenges.
| EVENT | DISTANCE | OBSTACLES |
| TOUGH MUDDER CLASSIC | 10 MILES | 25 |
| TOUGH MUDDER 5K | 3 MILES | 13 |
| TOUGHER MUDDER | 10 MILES/TIMED | 25 |
| TOUGHEST MUDDER | 12HR AS MANY MILES POSSIBLE | 50-60+ OBSTACLES |
| WORLD’S TOUGHEST MUDDER | 24HR AS MANNY MILES POSSIBLE | SHITLOAD OF OBSTACLES |
Savage Race
Claiming to be the “Worlds Best Obstacle Race,” Savage Race has prove to be one of the “big three” obstacle race event organizers in the USA. With 14 events planned for the year, this is an obstacle race you must try in 2021.
From 3 miles to up to 7 miles course with 27 plus obstacles, this event will challenge your grip endurance and grit as you travel to the many upper body obstacle along the way.
If you need tips or help to train for your next Savage Race, head over to the “Savage Anywhere,” the “Ox Challenge.” This virtual challenge/ training will give a workout routine to follow for 28 days to get you savage-ready for the next challenge. Remember, excuses are things of the past.
| EVENT | DISTANCE | OBSTACLES |
| SAVAGE JUNIOR | UP TO 1 MILE | 10+ |
| SAVAGERACE | 5-7 MILES | 27+ |
| SAVAGEBLITZ | 3+MILES | 15-20 |
Bonefrog
If there is an organization that knows about obstacles, I have to give to the Navy SEALS. Bonefrog is the only race created by Navy SEALS. With 50 obstacles and distances ranging from 3-11 miles.
For their 2021 season, Bonefrog is offering 10 events across the USA. Go and sign up for a hell of a challenge in the only Navy SEAL- style course created.
For the endurance junky, Bonefrog has an endurance-based challenge. Run as many sprint laps as possible in the allotted time. The rules for this event are simple. For “elite” participants, all obstacles are mandatory. For the “open” participants, the obstacles are optional.
| EVENT | DISTANCE | OBSTACLES |
| SPRINT | 3 MILES | 20+ |
| CHALLENGE | 6 MILES | 30+ |
| TIER-1 | 9 MILES | 50+ |
| ENDURANCE CHALLENGE | AS MANY SPRINT LAPS POSSIBLE/ TIMED | |
| TRIDENT: SPRINT+CHALLENGE+ TIER-1 | 18+ MILES | 100+ |
| TADPOLE | 1/4 AND 1/2 MILE | 8+ |
OCR World Championship
The OCR World Championship since 2014 has challenged professional and amateur athletes across the world to compete under one roof. With more than 70 nations participating, this year promises to be a fantastic event.
Returning to the USA in 2021, the OCR World Championship will take place in the Stratton Mountain Resort, Vermont. With five various events to participate in during the weekend. The challenges include a 3K, 5k, 100m, 15K, and Team Relay.
To compete in the OCR World Championship, you must have participated in a qualifying event. Due to Covid-19 in 2020, with many races canceling, the OCR World Championship made some changes to its rules. For additional information, click this link.
| EVENT | DISTANCE | OBSTACLES | QUALIFICATION | DIVISIONS |
| 100M CHAMPIONSHIP | 100 METERS | NO TIME TO COUNT | NO NECESSARY | PRO-MAN, PRO-WOMAN, OPEN-MAN, OPEN-WOMAN |
| 3K CHAMPIONSHIP | 1.86 MILES | 20+ | READ RULES | PROFESSIONAL AGE GROUP JOURNEYMAN JOURNEYWOMAN |
| 15K CHAMPIONSHIP | 9.3 MILES | 40+ | READ RULES | PROFESSIONAL AGE GROUP JOURNEYMAN JOURNEYWOMAN |
| TEAM RELAY | 3.7 MILES | 25+ | NO NECESSARY | PROFESSIONAL OPEN (MAN, WOMAN, CO-ED) |
| CHARITY OPEN | 3.1 MILES | 20+ | NO NECESSARY | OPEN |
GORUCK
GORUCK’s mission statement is clear. “To build better teams by empowering individuals and in return individuals can empower their communities.” With over 1000 events worldwide, GORUCK is a military-based event challenge.
These challenges are a hundred percent team-based. The concept is simple, you carry a weighted backpack with food, water, and supplies. Led by Special Forces Veterans, you will be facing different team-based challenges as you march for the given distance.
Do not be intimidated. You can start at your own pace. GORUCK has excellent training plans that anybody, no matter your fitness level, can follow. The GORUCK event challenges range from 5k to 50 miles. Go sign up and start training to become a better individual, GORUCK style.
| EVENT | TIER 1 | TIER 2 | TIER 3 |
|---|---|---|---|
| GORUCK CHALLENGE | LIGHT | TOUGH | HEAVY |
| DISTANCE | LIGHT-7-10 MILES | 15-20 MILES | 40+ MILES |
| TIME | 4-5 HRS | 10-12 HRS | 24+ HRS |
| WEIGHT REQUIRED | 10-20LBS | 20-30 LBS | 20-30 LBS |
Muddy Princess
With 35+ events across the United Estates, Muddy Girls is a 5k obstacle race. The event offers 15 to 20 obstacles, hills, mud pits, and tons of fun. Muddy Princess’s primary focus is teamwork, fun, and challenging you in a non-competitive environment.
Great for first-timers and women who want to dip their toes in the mud run arena. Muddy Princess offers women of all sizes, ages, and fitness levels an event made by women only. Bring as many friends as you can to participate and enjoy a day in the mud. There is no limit as to how many people can be on your team.
| EVENT | DISTANCE | OBSTACLES |
| MUDDY PRINCESS | 5K | 15+ |
MudGirl
MUDGIRL, as the name suggests, is an extraordinary event created for women only. With 30 events across the United States, MudGirls offers the perfect opportunity for you and your girlfriends to come and kick-start the year the right way.
You and your mud-friend will be running a 5k distance with 17+ obstacles. Can you possibly p[articipate in this event if you haven’t been the most active person? Absolutely, MudGirl’s obstacles are designed for every fitness level.
The first event of 2021 is scheduled to start on April 10, so hurry up and sign up for your next mud run adventure in one of the best obstacle course races created only for women.
| EVENT | DISTANCE | OBSTACLES |
| MUDGIRL | 5K | 17+ |
Rugged Maniac
Rugged Maniac is an excellent mud run for first-timers and those who like a fast course, with 27 events scheduled for 2021 across the United States. Rugged Manias offers 5k only distances with 25+ fun and challenging obstacles.
Rugged Maniac’s most memorable obstacles are the “Warped Wall,” “Off the Rails”, and the awesome “Accelerator 3.0”. There is no question you will have fun in this course. So bring your friends and family and get rugged, get maniac.
Rugged Maniac’s first event is scheduled to take place on May 01 in Virginia. They offer a full refund if any of the events get canceled. Head over to their website and sign up for your next mud rave adventure.
| EVENT | DISTANCE | OBSTACLES |
| RUGGED MANIAC | 5K | 25+ |
Nuclear Races
If you happen to be in the UK, why not trying out one of the best Mud Races in the UK. Nuclear Races, located in Brentwood, Essex. Offers athletes distances from 5k to 60K with a variety of obstacles, hills, and mud.
Nuclear Races offers race events for all ages and fitness levels. Kids can participate as young as 4 to 14. They have events for those hardcore athletes out there as well. Their most unique obstacles are the 20′ free-fall Deathslide, Gorilla Bars, the Secret Nuclear Bunker, and many more.
Based on a family-owned farm, Nuclear Races events take place in this one location. Nuclear Races season starts in May and offers 10 events throughout the calendar year. You can also purchase a season pass to access their facilities all year long and start training like a maniac.
| EVENT | DISTANCE | OBSTACLES |
| RUSH WEEKEND | 7K- 12K | 46+ |
| OBLIVION EXTREME | 12K-60K | 450+ |
| NUCLEAR 3 | 6K | TEAM BASED |
| BLAST | 5K LAPS IN 2 HRS | 30+ |
| BLACKOUT | 5K LAPS IN 2HRS | 30+ IN THE NIGHT |
| ROOKIE BLAST/ KIDS | 1.5-3K | 20+ |
| FALLOUT | 7K-14K | 46-90 |
| CHALLENGE CUP | 14K | 90+ |
CONCLUSION
As you can see, there are many obstacle course races we can participate in. I can promise you that any race you choose from the list will challenge you. It will challenge your friends, and who knows, you might become as passionate as I am about mud runs. I hope to see you on the course.