It seems that obstacle course racing is going through what can only be described as a ‘boom period’.
There are more OCRs available now then ever before, with a subculture of ‘spin-offs’ beginning to appear. Rather than your standard obstacle race, we’re seeing organisers create a sub-set of events that set them apart.
Whether that’s a ‘girls-only’ event followed with a celebrity DJ party, or a traditional OCR followed by a music festival, there’s an event for everyone. With that in mind, we’ve taken the time to put together a list of some of the best OCR events and mud-runs for 2017.
The Events:
Airfield Anarchy MudFest, Nottinghamshire, 9-11 June 2017
Who would have thought that combining an OCR with a music festival could work so well? Well, the guys at Airfield Anarchy have nailed it. Offering a 5K, 10K, 10 mile or the ‘Epic’ (all three distances across the weekend), the weekend activities are completely family-friendly and support the worthy RAF Benevolent Fund.
Last year, the music lineup included the likes of Scouting For Girls, Lonely the Brave and Goldie Lookin’ Chain amongst a host of up-and-coming acts. With this year’s lineup yet to be confirmed, it is sure to supersede expectations!
If you’re in a charity team of 20+, MudFest will provide you with a generous discount. Find out more about this here.
Wolf Run, Leicestershire, 3-4 June 2017
One of the most popular OCR events in the UK, Wolf Run has become synonymous with the OCR community.Standing for Woods, Obstacles, Lakes & Fields, the Wolf Run is a 10K off-road experience that utilises a selection of natural & man-made obstacles.
Running four events during the year (conveniently split into the Spring Wolf, Summer Wolf, Autumn Wolf & Winter Wolf), the Wolf Run isn’t part of a wider experience – it’s simply a challenging OCR that provides a fully-body challenge that will push the limit of your fitness. It’s all about the body and the mind.
Find out more about the Wolf Run by clicking here.
Reaper OCR, Warwickshire, 25 March 2017
The Reaper is enjoying a growing reputation in the OCR community.
Described on the official website as ‘the ultimate 10k that will bring life into you’, the event will prove to be a physical and mental challenge for both those with considerable experience and newcomers to the OCR scene.
The classic 10km course features over 40 obstacles, offering ‘day’ and ‘night’ variations. For the ultimate challenge, why not take part in both?!
2017 sees a variation to the Reaper experience, with the launch of the Dry5. Put simply, the Dry5 is a 5km cross-country trail with at least 20 of the classic Reaper obstacles without the need to swim. You’ll still get dirty and, indeed, a little wet, but this provides a completely different take on the original Reaper.
To find out more about the classic event, click here. For information on the Dry5, click here.
Filthy Girl Mud Run & Party, Buckinghamshire, 4-6 August 2017
The team behind Filthy Girl debuted the event in 2016 with a bang, providing a female-orientated event that focused on providing a feeling of unity and community.Taking place across an August weekend, the event combined a unique mud-run/OCR (with 5K & 10K distances available) with a post-event party, with a set headlined by Radio One DJ Scott Mills.
It’s certainly tailored for women. Cross the finish line and get a nice glass of champagne down you, before heading off for a mud-mask and even a spray tan! It’s then a case of cleaning up ready for the party ahead. We loved 2016 and are keen to see how the team will build upon their debut year into 2017.
Early bird prices apply – you can find out more about the event here.
XRunner Wild Mud Run, Derbyshire, 1 April 2017
The 2017 version of the Wild Mud Run takes place on 1st April, but it’s far from an April fools day prank.
Priding it’self on providing the best water slides, the XRunner Wild Mud Run offers both 5k and 10k distances, with over 60 obstacles in total. Taking place in the grounds of Osmaston Manor in Derbyshire, the event made its debut in 2016 and has amassed a social following of over 48,000 people.
If you’re ideal OCR is more about obstacles than running, then the XRunner Wild Mud Run is for you.
You can find out more about the event here.
Devil Mud Run, Gloucestershire, 4-5 March 2017
Taking place in Cheltenham, the roots of the Devil Mud Run stretch back to 2014. That being said, the 2017 version looks to set a new precedent.
A slightly shorter 8km course, over 4000 participants are expected per day. A selection of the 31 obstacles has been given a name, including ‘The Ice Dip’, ‘Satan’s Steps’ and, our favourite name, ‘The Swamp Thing’!
Similar to Wolf Run, it is free of any additional gimmicks, instead providing a medal, t-shirt & finishing medal to those who finish. You can find out more and sign up for the event by clicking here
The partner charity for the Devil Mud Run is Winston’s Wish, a charity that was set up in 1992 to provide bereaved children with much needed support – currently over 40,000 children and young people per year.
