Can I Safely Wear My Apple Watch at an Obstacle Race?

When you have an Apple watch, you take it wherever you go, but a Spartan Race might seem too risky. Here's how you can I safely wear your Apple watch.

Many runners are wearing their Apple watch during an obstacle race, and you can do it too. This smartwatch is water-resistant and can be easily clean after the race. Even if the Apple watch is robust enough for a Spartan Race, you must consider the following tips to keep it safe.

If you're searching for the best watch for an obstacle race and expecting to find a real review from a real runner. Check out this list I created of the top GPS watches.

You might be wondering if the Apple watch could resist the beating of an obstacle race, and you are not the only one. Many runners are asking the same questions because it's not clear if it's a good watch for OCR.

Sure the Apple watch is waterproof, but can it survive the muddy water from a Spartan Race? Would the touch screen get broken or scratch after a few rugged obstacles? Can the strap get ripped off?

The chance of permanently damaging or losing your expensive smartwatch could seem like a useless risk to take. Therefore, I understand why you're nervous about exposing your Apple watch to the abuse of such activity.

To find the answers to my questions, I first look up the owner manual, and obviously, I didn't see a section about obstacle racing. Later I try researching the internet, so I've looked on Facebook groups, subReddits, blogs, and all I found was more questions and confusion about this subject.

At that point, It's tempting to play it safe, and leave the Apple watch at home. But I rolled up my sleeve and did more investigation on the subject.

Here's what you need to know before wearing your Apple watch to an obstacle race.

Is my Apple watch waterproof or water resistant?

Comparable to a proper running smartwatch, the Apple watch 4 is water resistant up to 50 meters, and it can track pool and open-water workouts.

However, the previous generations of Apple watch (1, 2, and 3) are less resistant. They are rated IPX7 for water resistance, which means it's protected from rain and quick water immersion. Still, the manufacturer is advising against submerging the watch in deep water, because the pressure after 1 meter of submersion could damage the watch.

Ok, but can I swim with my Apple watch?

For water activities, the watch as a touchscreen lock to avoid accidental taps. This feature is called the Digital Crown, and you have to turn it to unlock the screen. Also, you don't have to worry about water infiltrating the speaker, because by turning the crown, a burst of sound will eject the excess of liquid.

You can take your Apple watch for a swim in a pool or the ocean, but you're advised against deep and high-velocity water activities, such as scuba diving or water skiing.

The water resistance can be compromised if the watch is exposed to impact while underwater or to the pressure of deep water.

During a Spartan Race, no scuba diving or high-velocity water activities are conducted, so it's fair to believe that your Apple watch can handle the water obstacles.

Still, what about the muddy water?

Is the Apple watch resistant to mud?

You are almost sure to find mud in an obstacle race, especially during Tough Mudder.

When I was trying to find out If the dirt from dry mud affects the watch, I remembered a particular segment of the Apple watch commercial. During the "Dear Apple" commercial for the Series 3, you can see a man standing on the course of an extra muddy obstacle race. The man presents himself as Arthur, a country boy from Mississippi, who ran his first Spartan Race with the help of his Apple watch.

As you can see from the following screenshots of the video, Arthur was covered with mud during the race, and I'm pretty sure his watch survive. Otherwise, why showing a muddy obstacle race in the commercial if the watch is not meant for obstacle racing?

From all my research, I couldn't find any testimonials from a runner who's watch got damage because of the mud. Many have used it during an obstacle race, such as Spartan Race, Tough Mudder, and Rugged Maniac. The only issue was the mud interfering with the heart rate sensor. However, if this is the only downside, that wouldn't stop me from wearing my Apple watch at a Spartan Race.

Ok, but what if my watch is entirely caked with mud?

How can I clean my Apple watch?

After the race, you'll definitely want to clean the mud from your watch. Even if the watch is water-resistant, you must be careful, and you should consider the following cleaning tips.

First, turn the crown button to lock the screen. Then, make sure to gently clean your watch and avoid hitting it to get the mud off. Apple warned against using soap because it could contain solvents or detergent, and it could damage the seals. For the same reasons I would suggest using warm or cold water, but not hot water.

Secondly, don't use a brush to rub or wipe out the mud. You could accidentally scratch the screen or the strap. Simply, place the watch under the water tab, until all the dirt is gone.

Also, if you are cleaning your watch on the kitchen sink, be careful with your quartz counter, has it could scratch the face of your watch.

How resistant is the Apple watch?

An obstacle race can be extremely tough on your gear, and I understand why many runners are afraid of damaging their Apple watch during a Spartan Race.

The good news is the series 4 of Apple watch comes with an extremely durable sapphire glass. It's the same type of material used by other running watch (such as Garmin).

However, if you own a previous version, you must consider the possibility of scratching your screen during a race. Therefore, I would suggest you get extra protection for your watch.

Best Apple watch protector

Even if the Apple watch is surprisingly robust, I strongly recommend covering it with a protective case.

One of the best protectors you could get is this Catalyst waterproof case. With the help of this case, your Apple watch will become almost unbreakable and ultra water-resistant.

Another excellent product to protect your watch is the Mudbandz. This wrist band is made of cushioned neoprene material and can protect your Apple watch from mud and scratches.

Would the battery last?

From my experience, the battery can last up to 5 or 6 hours if set your watch to "Power Reserve" mode. You won't be able to monitor your heart rate, but at least you'll have access to GPS tracking until the finish line.

So, can I safely wear my apple watch during a Spartan Race?

You can wear your Apple watch at your next obstacle race, and you'll probably notice other runners with the same watch as you.

However, obstacle racing can be unpredictable, and accidents could occur. Therefore, I would strongly advise you get this protective case to make your watch more resistant to water or impact.

This inexpensive safety protection allows you to run without worrying about your watch.

P.S. If you're searching for the best running watches and hoping to get genuine advice from a real runner. You should check out this list I created of the top GPS watches.

I have picked these tools because I'd used them in different obstacle races and mud runs. Plus, I'd confirmed my selection with my fellow OCR runners. With all their insights and my own experience, I've built this list of the top sport watches.

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