If you have ever seen someone scrambling through mud, climbing walls, or jumping over fire while racing against the clock, you have likely witnessed a survival race. These types of extreme sports events have seen a huge rise in popularity in the last decade, as they are now appealing to a wide range of people including, thrill-seekers, fitness enthusiasts, and everyday Joe’s trying to test the limits of their endurance.
But what exactly is a survival race and how does it work? Let us explain.
🏃♂️ What Is An Example of a Survival Race?
A survival race is a new sub-category in obstacle course racing (OCR) which merges long distance running with both physical and psychological challenges. This can be best described as combining trail marathons with military bootcamp training, all into one condense, exhilarating, and oftentimes ridiculously fun package.
The word ‘survival’ does not imply life threatening scenarios (rest easy), rather it means the race will be focusing more on your endurance, strength, agility, and sheer willpower. It is about conquering your limits, and emerging on the other side renewed.
🧩 How Does It Work?
All survival races share similarities in formats, lengths, and overall levels of difficulty, but most follow a broad structure:
- The Course
The course for these races typically runs for around 5k to 10 miles (or more), and is usually based around natural landscapes such as forests, hills, deserts, or even abandoned urban areas. The terrain becomes an added challenge in itself — muddied paths, rocky outcrops, steep cliffs, and sometimes even fiery or icy elements.
- The Obstacles
Participants are expected to undergo a series of physical challenges throughout the race, including:
- Repeating Rope Climb
- Ice Bath
- Wall Climb
- Barbed Wire
- Step atop a Ladder to a Plank
- Jumping Through Fire
Each of the aforementioned obstacles is bound to challenge a racers physical, and to some extent, mental strength. While some ropes will test balance, others, like mud pits, will take strategy.
- Timing & Rules
Survival races can be either competitive and timed, or simply focused on completing the course and having fun. In competitive formats, failing to complete an obstacle results in penalties — such as more burpees or added time.
You can race solo or in a team. Teamwork is encouraged, especially for the tougher challenges, and is an important aspect of these races.
🧠 What makes it different from a normal race?
Unlike a standard road race such as a 5K or even a marathon, the survival race poses a challenge to much more than just your legs. It requires the following attributes:
Mental and physical endurance
Full body strength
Problem solving
Grit
In addition to running, you climbing, crawling, lifting, jumping, and to some extent failing and retrying. This combination of physical and mental challenges are what make survival races so satisfying and addicting at the same time.
🎯 Who Are They For?
The survival race cater to all fitness levels, even if some are more challenging than others. Most events have easier options for beginners, and some even have “fun runs” for kids or entire families.
There is no need to be a body builder or professional athlete, just someone ready to get a little dirty, confront some fears, and give their all.
🧰 How to prepare for a survival race
If you are thinking of registering, here are a few last minute tips:
Train wisely: Integrate jogging or HIIT with strength training which includes bodyweight exercises.
Do some practice: Seek out gyms or outdoor locations that allow you to climb, jump, or hang – or attempt an OCR training course.
Dress Right: Put on lightweight and moisture-wicking clothes and well-cushioned shoes that offer good traction. Steer clear of any apparel or gear that could retain water or become burdensome.
Fuel Up: Maintain good hydration and nutrition both prior to and following the race. Water stations may be available during the race, but it’s prudent to bring your own energy gels or snacks.
Mind Over Matter: It’s natural to feel fatigued at some point and experience slips or falls throughout the process, so don’t be surprised. The key is to stay on track and keep moving, then rely on your teammates if you have them.
Final Thoughts 🏅
A survival race is an ordeal unlike any other, as it combines a traditional race with evocative extremes to tell a unique story. No matter the motivation behind wanting to tackle it—whether for fun, fitness, or personal proof—it is a guarantee that participants will engulf themselves in new experiences, garnering wet shoes and big grins along the way.
So… Are you ready to survive?
