obstacle course races what to wear

Trail shoes are your best bet for obstacle course races. You often run on uneven terrain that is wet and muddy. You want to look for something light-weight and that sheds water and mud quickly. You want to look for a shoe that has a fairly aggressive grip.

Full Answer

What are the best running shoes for Obstacle Racing?

Jul 24, 2018 · Check out a few of our recommendations for obstacles race bottoms: Nike 2-in-1 Flex Stride Running Shorts. Combining running tights and running shorts into one convenient package, you’ll be set to plow through the mud run obstacles. These hybrid shorts have a single, snug waistband, mesh fabric along the inseam and gussets to allow heat to escape, ‘Dri-FIT …

What should I wear to a trail race?

You’re running your first obstacle race and want to know what you should wear? This guide will help you select the best and most appropriate garments. However, don’t be fooled by marketing and a need for the best gear, the most important thing in an OCR is your physical preparation before the race and your attitude.

Are You overwhelmed by the popularity of obstacle course running shoes?

When it’s hot you probably don’t want to be wearing full-length trousers, but there’s a good chance you’ll be running through long grass, nettles, and all sorts of nasties. Keeping your calves covered avoids the worst of the risks, and it also helps on obstacles like walls if you heel hook, and ropes if you foot lock.

Do OCR shoes work for obstacle course racing?

Feb 10, 2016 · Seriously, don’t worry any cotton to an obstacle course race. Cotton absorbs water. It’ll make you shirt, socks, underwear, whatever – heavy and uncomfortable. You don’t want this. Trust me. I know this. I wore shorts that were part cotton to my first mud run and I fought with them for most of the race just to keep them on.

What do you wear to an obstacle course?

Wicking fabrics are the key to a good top; the water should wick away and not be held in the top. Also, a formfitting or compression top is preferable as it has less of a chance to get snagged on a wire, rope, or another obstacle. Many women also opt for a form fitting tank as another option.May 24, 2017

What do you wear to a terrain race?

We suggest wearing:Light, quick drying running shorts and running shirt.Older pair of running shoes. They'll be all muddy at the finish, and you can donate them if you wish :)Socks you don't mind throwing away (or being brown from now on)!

What should I bring to an obstacle race?

You could also use cotton swabs to help get some mud cleared from smaller areas of your body. Bring a gym bag filled with a change of clean clothes and shoes, as well as some band aids and athletic wraps, in case you need them. A garbage bag is great to transport your race apparel, too.

How should I dress for a Tough Mudder?

For most participants though comfort is their top priority. We suggest leggings, shorts and t-shirts made from tight, moisture-wicking fabrics which won't hold water or get snagged on barbed wire. It's important to check the weather before you decide on your event OOTD (that's outfit of the day).Jun 15, 2021

Can you wear gloves during a Spartan race?

If you are running a Spartan Race Stadium Sprint, by all means, wear some gloves. They will protect your hands at several obstacles and if you need to take them off, no problem.Apr 2, 2015

What's 5K in miles?

A 5K run is 3.1 miles. Don't be daunted by the distance. A 5K run is a great distance for a beginner. You can prepare for a 5K run in just two months.

What should I wear for Total Warrior?

Dress for the Occasion. Total Warrior is tough, there's no getting away from that. But it's also a hell of a lot of fun. So wear a vest if you want to show off your muscles, but most importantly, wear a smile.

Can you shower after a Spartan race?

All of our events (except Stadium events) provide changing tents and cold wash rinse stations. ... Baby wipes are a great way to clean up your racer within the changing tents after a spray down in the shower area. Please bring a towel, garbage bag for wet/muddy clothes and change of clothes for your racer.

What should I wear to Mudgirl?

To create the perfect MUDGIRL outfit, you must consider the mud, the running, the obstacles and other surprises. The perfect balance depends on each participant, her personality and fitness level. - A formfitting, quick-dry workout shirt. - Long workout legging (or capris) is also recommended.

Should I wear socks for Tough Mudder?

Socks designed by and for obstacle course racers should last through multiple races and many muddy miles of training. Protection - OCR Socks (especially compression socks) can provide surface level protection to the legs against scrapes and scratches otherwise caused by natural and man-made obstacles.Jan 18, 2022

Do they have showers at Tough Mudder?

Have no fear— showering off that mud is almost as easy as getting it on, thanks to conveniently-located Rinse Stations loaded with Every Man Jack grooming products.Aug 18, 2021

How many calories do you burn doing a Tough Mudder?

The number of calories you'll burn is dependent on several factors, including but not limited to age, sex, height, weight, and physical condition. But a reasonable estimate for the event itself is around 3000 calories (not to mention all the calories you'll burn in preparation for the big weekend).Aug 15, 2015

February 2, 2017 05:30

You’re running your first obstacle race and want to know what you should wear? This guide will help you select the best and most appropriate garments. However, don’t be fooled by marketing and a need for the best gear, the most important thing in an OCR is your physical preparation before the race and your attitude.

Armour

Clothing covers your skin to provide protection against minor abrasions. There’s some contention here as some runners will argue that skin will self repair, whereas clothing won’t. Also for some, long sleeves and leggings can seem restrictive and heavy when wet.

Head wear

Up to 50% of heat is lost through your head right? Sort of… This statistic was a conclusion made in error from a US Army Study which looked at Arctic Survival Suits. The participants lost so much heat from their heads because that was the only part of their body not covered.

Gloves

For us, these are a must. There’s a ton of obstacles to climb and gloves will protect our indoors office hands from splinters and debris while providing, more grip on wet metal. Again look for synthetic materials. Wool might be great to keep your hands warm, they’re going to be rubbish at providing grip. We really like the MacWet Tactical Gloves.

Knee Pads

Well, you’re going to be crawling and maybe using your knees to scramble up high banks and other obstacles. You shouldn’t really be impacting on your knees unless you’ve done something wrong and if you land hard enough to need knee pads you’ve done catastrophically wrong.

Elbow Pads

We get it, you want to look the part. You’ve seen contestants wear cool gear on obstacle courses on TV. Much like the knee pads – avoid! They’ll get uncomfortable and you’re planning for a catastrophe which shouldn’t happen if you’re careful. By the same logic you may as well bring a helmet or stay off the course altogether.

Post Race

The race is over and you're cold, wet and covered in dirt. Let's hope you brought a change of clothes with you. Our favourite thing is to bring a big old bathrobe with us so we can strip down and towel off. Sometimes it's just easier to wrap yourself in layers of thick cotton huddled in your car with a hot drink until you're warm again.

What shoes are good for OCR?

Instead, opt for a pair of shoes with good tread, drainage, and support. Traditionally, most trail shoes have been good for OCR. A key is to find a shoe with good drainage, and not GORE-TEX.

Who is Margaret from Mud Run Guide?

Margaret is Editor-in-Chief of Mud Run Guide. She has been part of the OCR Community since 2010. When not working on the next article she can be found running from race-to-race as a competitor. She founded DirtinYourSkirt.com, an OCR community for women as well as former contributing editor for Mud and Obstacle Magazine and industry expert for About.com. She authored the book Obstacle Race Training.

Do men wear compression shorts?

Many men prefer to wear a pair of shorts over compression shorts. However, it is more and more common to see those racing in just compression shorts and forgoing the baggy stuff. Other men opt for shorter running shorts that do not like compression. Women do not fear the compression short!

Do you need gloves for a race?

Gloves are another item many races like to have to help with climbing obstacles, they are not mandatory and depending on personal preference are used by competitors. Overall, when headed out to race, leave your keys at home (or at least in bag check), make sure to wear waterproof sports sunscreen, and have fun.

Is cotton good for a shirt?

Cotton is an excellent product. However, it is also great at holding water once it is wet. OCRs you get wet and muddy! Cotton quickly loses its shape, and that form fitting shirt is now hanging at your knees. Cotton is great but to be left at home.

OCR Specific Shoes

Without a doubt, the first thing on anyone’s shopping list should be OCR shoes. Even on a dry course. Great grip helps up and down hills, on loose soil, or compacted long grass. A deep tread helps you with that all important rope climb, slip wall, or traverses like Spartans Olympus.

Shorts

Some people can’t stand shorts, but if you find a pair that works for you they are your savior for summer racing. You want something long enough to protect your skin when going over walls, or up the rope, but short enough to make wearing shorts in the heat worthwhile.

Calf Guards

There’s mixed opinion on whether these help with performance. Personally, I swear by them, I’ve found the occurrence of cramp definitely decreases with wear. Aside from this, they offer something else: Protection.

Tech Vest

Vest or tee, it’s up to you, just make sure it’s not cotton.

Socks

There are few things more unpleasant than a slimy cotton sock sliding down into your shoe. It sounds obvious, but I know because I’ve been there! I’ve said it a million times but I’ll say it again. Avoid cotton at all costs! Tee shirts, socks, underwear.

Clothing & Shoes For Obstacle Course Racing

You’ve trained. You ate right. Now it’s time for race day. So what do you wear?

Gear For Obstacle Course Racing

Hydration pack – If it’s less than five miles, you probably won’t need one. If the race director is doing his job, there will be enough water to keep you hydrated. If it’s a longer race, a hydration pack is a good investment. Not that we’re talking a huge investment. Small ones start at around $25.