Beware of the Pitfall, This Is the Best Obstacle Race for a Beginner

For your first race, you are probably wondering how difficult it will be and if you can do this. You'll get reassurance by knowing you are not the only beginner on the starting line. With the following guide, you'll know what to expect, especially the kind of obstacle and the level of difficulty of the race.

Before you go to your next obstacle race, you need to know what you got your self into. To avoid the agony, make sure the distance is reasonable. 5 km is a reasonable distance for a beginner. To know more about the distance, the venue and the kind of obstacle you’ll be facing,

After reading the following guide, you will know exactly which race is the best for you.

If you want to know what to wear at an obstacle race and expecting to find a real review from a real runner. Check out my clothing checklist.

Feeling tired of your routine, want to try something new, something that could transform your life? Your first obstacle race could be the motivation you need to get off your couch and start to exercise regularly.

Obstacle racing is the latest and fastest growing sports. Even if obstacle racing has been around for a long time in the military, it's now becoming mainstream. Thanks to the two biggest brands; Tough Mudder and Spartan Race.

Maybe you already sing up for a race and have a tone of apprehension. Sure, you don't want to be the newbie joining the hardest race on the menu. You might not finish the race and might never enter another competition.

Every race is different and presents a unique challenge. It will be your chance to prove yourself what you are capable.

Almost all event will have a different level of difficulty for every fitness level. Plus, most beginner obstacle races usually are 3.1 miles (5 km) and have 10 to 15 obstacles spread along the course.

1. What are the best obstacle races for beginners?

I have created the following list of the most popular events. They are in descending order from the most difficult to the less painful.

However, all of those races are beginner-friendly or have an option for the first-timer.

⚠️⚠️ = Difficult for a beginner

⚠️ = Moderate difficulty

Spartan Race ⚠️⚠️

Spartan Race is the most challenging race for beginners. Even the 3 miles (5k) event can be really tough and will surely test your limits. With the slogan “You’ll know at the finish line,” you are never a 100% sure of what you got your self into until you completed the race.

Spartan Race history

Spartan Race is by far the most popular obstacle race, with more than 200 events been held in 42 countries. Introducing millions of participants every year, Spartan Race has made their mark in the OCR world.

In 2010, Joe De Sena decided to create an alternative race to the infamous "Death Race," a 48-hour endurance event. Therefore, the first Spartan Race took place in Vermont and had approximately 500 participants.

Today, the brand is so well-known that many people are calling an obstacle race: a Spartan race. You can even follow Spartan Race on NBC Sports.

Type of obstacles

Obstacles at a Spartan race are not the most sophisticated, but they are the most challenging. Since the beginning, they have tested many different obstacles, and they only kept the best one.

At every Spartan Race, you will find the same obstacles, and some have become their unique signature. The most famous is the spear throw, where you must hit a target, 25 feet away, with a spear.

Even if Spartan Race has a 3 miles (5 km) option, along with 8 or 12 miles (12 or 20 km), you still have more than 15 obstacles to complete in their shortest race. This means you are in for an unforgettable surprise!

At every Spartan Race, the course is adjusted to the venue, and the terrain becomes a significant obstacle. If the event is held in a ski resort, the race director will have you go up and down a couple of times. You can expect to climb the mountain in the most challenging path possible.

Be prepared to have your upper body strength tested with obstacles such as the monkey bar and the rope climb. There's also a 5 litters bucket filled with gravel or a large wood lug that you must carry for a never-ending distance.

Also, the twister and the multi-rig will test your grip while crossing the obstacle. Both obstacles are similar to the monkey bar, but you must traverse the obstacle by hanging yourself to a moving metal frame or odd objects (ropes, rings, nunchuck, balls) without touching the ground.

For more information about the obstacles at Spartan Race, check out this complete obstacles list I created.

Race information

Participants have the choice between 3 distances; the sprint (3 miles / 5k with 15 obstacles), the super (8 miles / 12 km with 20 obstacles) and the beast (12 miles / 20 km with 25 obstacles).

If you are beginning, I suggest you go with the sprint, and you are still sure to have a nice challenge. Because at a Spartan Race, if you miss an obstacle, you are required to perform a penalty of 30 burpees (a series of movement similar to a push-up with a jump). To finish the race, you must complete all obstacles or penalties.

My first Spartan Race was the most challenging race I did. I thought I could skip the sprint (3 miles / 5 km) and go for the Super 8 miles / 12 km), oh what a mistake! I completed the course in 5h35, and I look like a soul-less zombie at the end of the race. I was not prepared, and I underestimate the level of fitness needed to achieve this level of difficulty.

Don't make the same mistake, and if you are a beginner, start with the sprint. You will have a much better experience.

Race locations

Wherever you live in the world, there's a great chance that a Spartan Race is happening close to the nearest city. Spartan Race is the most popular obstacle race in the world, with runs in most countries, such as United-States, Canada, Mexico, France, Poland, Malesia and more.

For all the details check the Spartan website!

Tough Mudder ⚠️⚠️

Tough Mudder is the event that every obstacle racer doesn't want to miss. They always come up with new obstacles and challenges.

Tough Mudder history

Created by Guy Livingstone and Will Dean (former British counter-terrorism officer), the first race took place in the United States. Since 2010, over 3 million participants have attended a Tough Mudder race.

At first, this event was more a challenge than a usual 10 miles (16 km) race. Promising to be the toughest race on the planet you could attend. The obstacles were designed to test the runners on common human fears, such as fire, water, electricity, and heights. The brutal obstacles were intended to shock the competitors (literally). Racers, who also called Mudders, had to join their effort and complete the course with teamwork.

Now, even if this is still part of the event, some modifications have been applied to appeal to a broader clientele.

Type of obstacles

Initially, the distance was around 10 miles (16 km), but now they have a shorter distance of 3 miles (5k). Wish is great for the beginner.

With the slogan “Probably the toughest event on the planet,” it might be intimidating for the first-time racer.

Every year Tough Mudder is innovating with the obstacles. They have the craziest obstacles you could find. Some are difficult, some are scary, but most of all they are fun.

You might have heard about the Electroshock Therapy; a 40 feet corridor fill with live wires of a 10,000 volt. If you are not careful while crossing this obstacle, you get electrocuted. No joke!

The obstacles will get you climbing 25 feet in the air or cross a water pool on a slack line. Not all obstacles at Tough Mudder were meant to test the limit of your toughness. But be prepared to jump into the water, crawl in the dirt and maybe get squeeze a little.

Race information

To get a real picture of all your options, I suggest you visit the official website but here's a brief description.

The distances vary from 3 to 10 miles (5 to 16 km), with between 13 to 25 obstacles. They also have crazy events that last 12 to 24 hours, who are a delight to the toughest OCR athletes in the world.

Beginners can have a good taste of what Tough Mudder is all about, by participating in the Tough Mudder 5k. A 3 miles race with 13 obstacles, that can be completed at your own pace. You are definitely sure to leave with great memories and a remarkable story to tell on Monday morning.

After the race, you can enjoy the party with live entertainment, more epic games, and challenges, While fueling your sore body with great authentic local food and free beer.

Race locations

You probably don't have to travel pretty far to attend Tough Mudder. With more than 150 events across the globe, from North America to Australia, I bet you can find one close to your home.

For all the details check the Tough Mudder website!

Savage Race ⚠️⚠️

Savage Race is one of my favorite events regarding obstacles. Personally, the level of difficulty is precisely what I like. Perhaps I could a little bit tough for the beginners. If you are looking at a Savage Race for your first obstacle race, make sure you choose the 3 or 5 miles run.

Savage Race history

The first Savage race was held in 2011 when Lloyd Parker and Sam Abbitt decide to join their effort to create a new obstacle race. The first event had 2,000 people running the course. Since them, they become one of the primary obstacle race in the United-States.

Type of obstacles

First, the distance of all Savage Race varies from 5 to 7 miles (8 km to 10 km). On the other hand, they also have the Blitz option, which is a 3 miles (5 km) version. The blitz is perfect for the beginner who is not sure about the 5 miles classic distance.

One of their hardest obstacles is the 35 feet long monkey bars, call the Sawtooth. This obstacle, inspired by the Funky Monkey from Tough Mudder, has a 40% completion rate.

Another obstacle similar to Tough Mudder is called Colossus, a 16 feet tall quarter pipe that you must climb with a rope. Also, on the other side, you'll go down into a water slide.

One of their innovating obstacles is the Tree Hugger. You will have to cross a series of vertical wooden logs, going from one to another by wrapping your arms and legs around. The Tree Hugger, with only a 58% completion rate is not an amateur obstacle.

Another fun obstacle is the Shriveled Richard, which is a large pool filled with water and ice. To complete the challenge, you must dive entirely in the water to go under a wall. This obstacle is also present at Tough Mudder, under the name of Arctic Enema.

Finally, the Davy Jones Locker, a 15 feet dive into water is for the brave.

Most of those obstacles could seem overwhelming for a beginner, and you probably will fail 50% of it, but you are 100% sure to have fun.

Race information

The race is meant for all runners, so if your beginner, you can achieve the course at your own pace. With more 103,000 participants every year, the organization advertise an 81% completion rate.

Race locations

Savage Race is held in various cities, across in the United-Stats, like Florida, Texas, Ohio, Pennsylvania, Boston, Chicago, and Dallas.

I'm pretty sure you can find a race close to you.

For all the details check the Savage Race website!

BoneFrog Challenge ⚠️⚠️

BoneFrog is a real challenge for every kind of racer, from the beginner to the top athletes, everyone can have a taste of the Navy Seal universe.

BoneFrog history

Born in Massachusetts, BoneFrog had begun in 2012. Started by Navy Seals, the race has become very popular in the obstacle race world.

Type of obstacles

If you are heading to a BoneFrog event, be prepared to encounter a great challenge. You'll cross more than 20 obstacles over the 3 miles (5 km) course distance. Each obstacles are designed with a Navy Seal touch. Those obstacles promise to leave no one unscathed.

The level of difficulty could be challenging for beginners who are not prepared. No matter your fitness level, you will get tested, you'll get muddy, you'll probably fail some obstacles, but you also will finish the course with pride.

Race information

Don't worry; you don't have to be a Navy Seal to participate in this event. BoneFrog offers numerous options regarding distance and difficulty. The length varies between 3 to 9 miles (5 km to 14 km). They also have the Endurance option, which allows runners to complete as many laps as possible.

Race locations

BoneFrog Challenge is taking place mostly on the east coast. You probably have an event close to you, with more than 10 locations in the United-States, like Dallas, Charlotte, Boston, and Virginia Beach.

For all the details check the BoneFrog Challenge website!

Rugged Maniac ⚠️

Rugged Maniac is definitely a fun and challenging race that every beginner should consider. With less hardcore Ninja Warrior like obstacles and more funcore obstacles, you are sure to have a blast.

Rugged Maniac history

I first heard about Rugged Maniac in 2014 when I watch Shark Tank, one of my favorite TV show. The owner got a deal with Mark Cuban, and since then, the race has grown into an international event.

Type of obstacles

If you are beginning with obstacle race, Rugged Maniac is a great option. Anyone can complete the 3.1 miles (5k) distance. You don't have to run the whole route. You can also walk or jog if it feels more suitable.

The obstacles are less challenging than Spartan Race, plus you are assured to have fun completing them. During the race, you will have to climb walls and cross mud pits and cargo nets. Other obstacles, like the monkey bars and the ring, will test your upper body strength.

If you ever watch American Ninja Warrior, you'll recognize the famous Warped Wall, and it will be the perfect your time to beat that wall.

Finally, every Rugged Maniac participant loves the Off The Rails obstacle, which is a zip line across a pool of muddy water.

Every obstacle is fun, and you have an excellent chance of completing them, even if you are a beginner.

Race information

If you fail an obstacle, you can continue the race without penalties (compared to Spartan Race) or without been disqualified. Also, you can skip any obstacles you don't feel comfortable doing.

After the race, the fun continues with festivities, including; music, food, beer, and even mechanical bull riding.

Race locations

Rugged Maniac is very popular, and you can find such event in almost 20 location across the United-States and Canada; South Carolina, San Francisco, Florida, Los Angeles, New York City, Vancouver, Calgary, Chicago, Washinton DC and more.

For all the details check the Rugged Maniac website!

Warrior Dash

Warrior Dash is the beginner-friendly race that anyone can take on. This is one of those "cool-vibe" obstacle races where the top athletes and weekend warriors are sharing the same racecourse. With the slogan “Mud, sweat, and beers.”, Warrior Dash is undoubtedly a fun adventure for anyone.

Warrior Dash history

Warrior Dash is probably one of the top obstacle race, but sure was one of the first race to reach that level of popularity. They count more than 2 million people being introduced to obstacle racing through their event since 2009.

Type of obstacles

The 12 obstacles you will encounter along the 3.1 miles (5 km) course, will provide you enough challenge to test your ninja abilities while also having fun. Participants will jump in the mud puddles, climb over walls and slide into a large pool of water.

One of the signature obstacles at Warrior Dash is the Goliath. Once you cross this 30 feet tall cargo net, you will have the pleasure to use a giant waterslide to come down.

Every obstacle is designed to present enough challenge while being doable for every participant.

Race information

The Warrior Dash is one of my favorite race, and I always recommend it to anyone beginning their OCR journey. Runners from 14 years of age or more and from all fitness level are sure to have a blast at a Warrior Dash race.

During the race, if you miss or don't feel comfortable with one obstacle, you simply continue your way to the finish line. You won't get a penalty for skipping one obstacle.

After the race, I suggest you join the party, enjoy good food with a cold beer. Your legs might feel tired, but you'll feel young in your heart.

Race locations

To participate in one of Warrior Dash event, you will have to travel to one of their various location in the United-States. Races are hell all over the US in such places; Florida, Texas, California, Oregon, Wisconsin, New England, North Carolina and more.

For all the details check the Warrior Dash website!

The 5k Foam Fest

The 5k Foam Fest is the perfect race for a beginner. Forget about the hardcore obstacles and the ultra-fit athletes competing for the champion title. This event is all about having fun while running.

5K Foam Fest history

The 5K Foam Fest is part of a wider family of mud runs and obstacle races. The event is owned and operated by 365 Sports, which also organize Mud Hero, and the well know Obstacle Course Racing World Championships. Needless to say that they know what they are doing.

Type of obstacles

You are in for a treat! At the 5k foam fest, you will find water, more mud and a giant quantity of foam.

During a distance of 3 miles (5k), participants will encounter more than 24 outstanding obstacles. Some of those obstacles are an inflatable slide and a bouncing arena, plus a 25 feet drop onto a giant airbag bag!

They have a large variety of exhilarating obstacles that anyone can complete. Only a few obstacles might be challenging for a beginner (ex: Monkey bar). You give your best shot, and if you fail, it's no big deal.

Race information

Completing the obstacles is not mandatory, and you won't have any penalties if you skip the obstacles you don't feel comfortable doing. Also, forget about the pressure of running the whole distance, a majority of the participant are walking between each obstacle.

The 5k Foam Fest is a great race to have fun with the family. People age from 8 and up can participate. So get your self a team costume and join the foam festivities.

Race locations

This event takes place in more than 32 locations spread across Canada, USA, and Australia. No matter if you live in Florida, Texas, California or Sydney, there's probably a 5k Foam Fest event near you.

For all the details check the 5k Foam Fest website!

Others obstacle races for beginner

The previous events are the most popular, but there's also a lot of obstacle race and mud run happen locally. You should definitely consider one of those local events for your first obstacle race. Remember that all of the races listed above have started as a local event.

Mostly family events, smaller races want to appeal to a broader public and will focus more on the beginners. Therefore you are sure to find a 3 mile (5k) version with the same quality of obstacles as the national events. The level of difficulty is adjusted to be accessible to all fitness level.

Plus you have to encourage entrepreneurs from your region.

Themed runs

Obstacle racing doesn't have to be so serious, and sometimes the race can be more like a game.

It's the case with Prison Break, a race held in Quebec, Canada. Participants in the race play the role of criminals trying to escape the polices. Race marshals are dress in police uniform and try to catch you during the run. You have 3 flags attached to your belt, and you must protect them again the polices officer trying to snatch them. Even if you lose all flags, you can finish the race and get the medal.

You can also find Zombie race around Halloween time. Those races will not have water or mud obstacles, but real zombies that are trying to catch you. Runners are having fun avoiding the zombie and completing the course.

Those themed runs are a family event, and anyone can participate.

Mud runs

My most favorite mud run is called Mud Hero. It was the first race I participate in, and I still do. The obstacles are not extremely difficult; some even have two levels of difficulty for you to choose. There's plenty of mud, and you are guaranteed to have a good time. Every time I participate, I see all kind of people on the course. I really like the easy-going vibe in such events, where young, old, athlete, beginner are running together. It's different from the more hardcore competitions like Spartan Race or Tough Mudder.

Others obstacle run you should consider when beginning

This list could go on forever, but my goal was to give you a good sense of what's are the best event for a beginner. Finally, there are more local events I wouldn't be shy to recommend the first-timer:

• The Survival Race (US)
• Marine corps Mud Run (US)
• City Challenge Race (US)
• The Inflatable Run (US)
• Dead End Race (Canada)
• Rushwood (Canada)
• Nuclear Races (UK)
• X Runner (UK)

8 popular questions from beginners

Here's the main question I get from people interested in joining their first obstacle race or mud run.

1. How do I know if I'm a beginner?

Well, you know you are a beginner when you are currently reading this article ;) Sincerely, If you never attend an obstacle race, you are a beginner. Furthermore, after 1 or 2 races, you are still a beginner.

On the other hand, you could be already training and wondering if a beginners race will be too easy for you.

In both cases, I would suggest starting with a short distance race (3 miles/ 5 km). The race will be difficult enough, and you are guaranteed to be drag outside of your comfort zone.

2. Is this too hard for me?

Obstacle race and especially mud run, where made to encourage as many people as possible to get off there coach and start running.

Therefore, most races will offer different levels of difficulty, and they always have an option for the beginner.

Spartan Race, for example, has the Sprint (3 miles / 5 km, plus 15 obstacles), the Super (8 miles / 12 km, plus 20 obstacles), and the Beast (12 miles / 20 km, plus 25 obstacles). Start with the Sprint!

With a little bit of preparation, you are sure to complete the 5 km races.

3. Do I need to be fit?

It's called a race, but you don't have to run if you can't, you can jog or walk the whole course. In fact, in every event, there's a large portion of the group who will walk.

What I like about obstacle racing is, no matter the fitness level or the age, everyone can participate in an obstacle race.

At first, if you need help for an obstacle, fellow runners (like my self) will gladly help you.

With experience, the better you'll become and the faster you'll be able to finish the race. For now, the most important is to get your self to the finish line.

4. What is a reasonable distance to begin?

I would recommend you start with a 5k. The majority of mud runs I know are 3 miles (5k). As for the obstacle races, they are mostly between 3 to 6 miles (5 and 10 km).

I've convinced many of my friends to participate in a 5k mud. Most of them were not fit at all, and they all complete the course. A 5k race is accessible for anyone, and depending on the numbers of obstacles, you can finish the race between 1h30 to 2h30.

5. What kind of obstacles are there?

Along the course, you will encounter many obstacles that will test your ability to crawl, jump, climb and lift heavy objects. Some obstacles will be more difficult for a beginner, especially if you are not a regular at the gym.

Almost every obstacle race will have some walls to climb or crawl under. The height may vary between 2 to 8 feet, but don't worry there will be help available.

Some obstacle are not too hard, but they will slow you down, like the massive puddle of mud to cross or the 20 feet crawl under the barb wires. Some race will have more difficult obstacles, like rope climbing or monkey bars. But don't worry you won't have to succeed all challenges. Just go along and fun!

6. How should I prepare?

Before the races, there are different things you should consider doing.

First, review the race details; distance, type of obstacles, type of terrain, etc. This information will give you a good idea of what you need to conquer.

If you are over 40 years old, never train or run and feeling unsure about your health, it would be a wise decision to see a doctor. Once you get your doctor approval, you should start moving. Go to your local gym, follow a training plan and start eating good food.

The day of the race, you must eat the proper food to fuel your body and wear the appropriate sports apparel.

To get a better idea of what you should wear, I suggest you read my article about obstacle race clothing.

The most important is to show up on the day of the race with a warrior attitude. If you must crawl, you crawl; if you need to jump in the mud, you jump. Your spirit will have a significant influence on your performance. Have fun and reconnect with your inner child.

7. What should I wear?

During the race you will be running in rugged terrain, crawling in the mud and jumping into the water. Therefore I strongly advise you wear the proper apparel.

Your clothing must be moisture-wicking, not too baggy but enough flexible and not made in cotton. It's a matter of being comfortable and functional enough to complete the course in one piece.

When you are ready to learn more about what you should wear at the race, I suggest you check out this complete list of clothes you need to bring.

8. Can I run with my friends?

When you are beginning with obstacle race, having your friends beside you on the course can have a massive impact on your spirit.

On the other hand, if you run alone, you are almost guaranteed to make friends. When trying an obstacle for the first time, don't be shy to ask for help, other runners will be glad to give you a hand.

Forget about the every-person-for-it-self attitude you are used to seeing at the gym, obstacle racing is all about the tribe and having fun. I talk with different participant along the race, and it rises my spirit, making the race less difficult.

Just go for it!

You are probably full of apprehension, and it's normal. I know the feeling of uncertainty and the fear of failing.

Don't over think this and sign up for your next obstacle race.

If you don't consider yourself an active person and you want the best experience for your first race, I suggest you opt for Rugged Maniac or Warrior Dash. If you live in Canada, I would definitely recommend Mud Hero. If you have already been training or running, you can attack any those events. The most important is you give your best shot, and you could be surprised by what you can accomplish.

To beat the fear of failing your first obstacle race, you should convince your friends to join. Make it a group challenge, and you'll have a better experience.

You first obstacle race will be an out-of-the-ordinary experience, and it could be a life-changing adventure. You won't regret overcoming your fear and just show up on the starting line.

Obstacle racing has changed my life. I become the active person I always wanted to be, and I prove my self I was capable of so much more. I make it my goal to succeed all obstacles, on the course and in my personal life. I feel more confident and more in control. I which you will choose the same path. You can do this!

P.S. If you want to know what to wear at an obstacle race and hoping to get genuine advice from a real runner. You should check out this my clothing checklist.

I have hand picked this racing gear because I'd used each item 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 most helpful gear to bring at an obstacle race.

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