When we say festival what comes to your mind? Big crowd? Music? Festive fans? I would say I was talking about Coachella, but where is the physical activity in that? Yes, I said physical activity. Actually I mean the festival of all activities…obstacle racing. With big crowds, music, and fueled fans it is the extreme sport that has become explosively popular all over the world in recent years.

With the monotonous marathon running straight roads and long periods of time, these mud races, obstacle races, and color runs, are becoming mainstream, and trill-seekers’ way of making strides towards new and innovative activities.

The co-founder and CEO of Tough Mudder, the 10-mile mud and obstacle course,Will Dean, has stated on USAToday.com “his organization aims to balance safety with ever-changing obstacles to challenge entrants, like how Disney and Six Flags add new attractions.”

Most people participate in obstacle course racing recreationally, in that free beer entices them to make it to the finish line and are not timed. The contrasting Spartan Race is timed and is taken more seriously because its top finishers can win prize money. In likes of both obstacle and Spartan racing, Cincinnati hosted the second annual Obstacle Course Racing World Championship in October 2015, attracting 1,600 competitors from 22 countries. 

No matter your ability there is a level of racing for everyone to be able to enjoy this new trend in working out. It is because these races give a new energy to traditional styles of fitness that so many of us are attracted to them. 

Group excersise is a way of keeping committed to exercise while still having fun. Having a buddy... or several can provide support, motivation and compitition. Wayne Anderson, MD says to experience life.com "we are social animals. We seek the company and positive reinforcement of others, especially when we are doing work." 

So the next time you consider whether you want to be stuck on the treadmill or joining the masses, think of the overall fun factor!

United States Mud Runs and Obstacle Races