As 2015 clicked over, my email inbox started filling up with messages on obstacle course events I should make it my new year’s resolution to sign up to.
There are so many of them out there these days – and they can be on the expensive side, but most of them also support a charity through the entry fee. But if these type of events form part of your strategy to get fit this year or try something new, then you may benefit from early bird specials.
I’ve done a few of the events and find them challenging as well as fun. You can take them seriously and try to complete them as fast as you can, or you can combine challenging yourself with having fun along the way. The events can be attempted by all fitness levels. You can go around obstacles if you need to, and many of the obstacles are meant to involve your team members to help you get over them.
Here’s a list of some of the events in or near Canberra throughout the year.
Miss Muddy
One just for the ladies – this event was held in Canberra for the first time in October last year at Exhibition Park. It was typical of obstacle race courses with obligatory mud and walls to climb over as well as a number of other challenges. Although possibly my favourite part was the inflatable water slide at the end. This one wasn’t especially physically challenging but it turned out to be a great day out with friends.
It’s scheduled for 18 October this year. The early bird price is $75.50 up to 10 weeks prior to the event and goes up to $95.50 if registering a few days prior to the event.
More info: www.missmuddy.com.au
Call of the Beast
Call of the Beast is earmarked for October or November 2015 according to their website. It’s held on farmland in the Naas Valley, about 50 minutes from Canberra City.
There are a number of different circuits for all abilities. You can choose to do the 3.5km, 8km or 10km circuit. You can also register in the “Team Beast” where teams of four compete against other teams on a 10km course. There’s also the solo “Last Beast Standing” option if you want to take it to a competitive level. It’s described as a knock-out obstacle course race over three rounds.
Children can also join with the option of a 1km or 2.5km course.
More info: www.callofthebeast.com.au
Battlefield Challenge
Operation Blackhawk’s Battlefield Challenge is on 28/29 March 2015 at the Paintball Sports Grounds at Pialligo. Operation Blackhawk has 40 obstacles over a 7km course with a military theme. The current cost is $67.
This one isn’t just for adults, with kids aged four to 13 also able to get involved. The kids’ course is around 1km long. Cost for the kids at the moment is $20. More info: www.operationblackhawk.com
The Bravest
The Bravest is on 14 March at Stromlo Forest Park. It will feature more than 30 natural and man made obstacles over a 15-18km alpine course.
Cost is $150 plus a booking fee.
More info: http://bfirm.com.au/the-bravest/
Tough Mudder
One of the originals of the extreme obstacle course events, Tough Mudder is earmarked for spring 2015. Tough Mudder is a good one to get in early with prices exceeding $150 if you register only a few weeks in advance.
The event is listed as being held in Sydney but last year’s event was held about an hour from Canberra near Goulburn. Keep an eye on their website for further details when it comes to hand at www.toughmudder.com.au
I competed in Tough Mudder in 2013 and completed all but four of 20 obstacles across a 20km course in just over three hours. As its name indicates, there’s a fair bit of mud. Obstacles change from year to year.
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