what to wear for an obstacle course race

by Damaris Beier 5 min read

What To Wear For Your Obstacle Course Race

  • Leave The Cotton Apparel At Home A Brief Disclaimer Before we get into the nitty gritty, lets take some time to discuss downsides of wearing cotton apparel, as well as the advantages of more breathable synthetics. ...
  • Trail Shoes Rugged Soles ...
  • Compression Shirts Strong And Snug ...
  • Form-fitting Shorts Go with the flow ...
  • Moisture Wicking Socks Damp is Better Than Soaked ...
  • Gloves Get A Grip ...

Full Answer

What should I wear to a mud run?

Choose athletic tees and tanks, sports bras, shorts/capris, etc. Anything that wicks moisture and will retain its shape when wet is a good choice for race clothing. Our friends over at MudGear have great options for socks that will keep your feet as comfortable as possible during your race.

What should I wear to a trail race?

– If the race you are looking at is going to be muddy, or involve river crossing, we would suggest picking up a pair of “shoe gaiters” or “trail gaiters”. They attach at the top of your shoe, and help prevent debris from entering the top of your shoe.

What should I wear to my first golf tournament?

Wearing moisture-wicking clothes (including socks), finding durable shoes with good traction that drain well, and leaving all of your accessories at home will help you enjoy your time out on the course! (Of course, you could break all the rules and wear a Ninja Turtles costume, like this guy…) See you soon, Savages!

What are the best running shoes for Obstacle Racing?

Inov-8 X-Talon – The Inov-8 line of all terrain shoes have been a perennial favorite in the obstacle racing world. The X-Talon line-up has been a favorite for years offering the 200 version (made specifically for OCR), 212 version, 225 version.

What do you wear to a 5k obstacle course?

Choose athletic tees and tanks, sports bras, shorts/capris, etc. Anything that wicks moisture and will retain its shape when wet is a good choice for race clothing. Our friends over at MudGear have great options for socks that will keep your feet as comfortable as possible during your race.

What shoes should I wear for a mud run?

Shoes: Most mud runs will have extremely muddy sections where your regular running shoes won't cut it. Trail running shoes are a better bet to give you some grip.

What should I bring to an obstacle course?

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.

What do you wear to a terrain race?

We recommend athletic clothing that you don't mind getting dirty, really dirty. Our pro team wears MudGear Compression Obstacle Race Socks, Icebug shoes with an awesome tread, and Xracewear apparel. Xracewear makes shorts and tops that hold your bib number so you don't need safety pins.

Should I wear socks for Tough Mudder?

TOP 5 LONG SOCKS (COMPRESSION) FOR SPARTAN AND TOUGH MUDDER Along with providing a secure fit, compression socks serve more important purposes in that they help maintain blood flow and reduce discomfort, cramping, shin splints and swelling that may otherwise develop over long, strenuous miles.

Do you wear socks for Tough Mudder?

Socks. Almost as important as your shoes, your socks are what will make or break your run. “Something from the Darn Tough Run line works great,” Atkins says. “They are super durable, for all your future Mudder events.” Pro Tip: “Put a bit of Vaseline or an anti-chafing cream on your feet before you put your socks on.

Should I wear pants or shorts for Spartan Race?

When in doubt, start with a snug-fitting, technical compression t-shirt and a pair of medium length running shorts that aren't too baggy. “A lot of Spartan racers wear longer compression socks that wick moisture," Burnette says.

What do you wear to a mud run in the cold?

What to Wear for a Cold-Weather Mud RunSpandex sports bra: American Eagle.Underwear: Spandex sports underwear from Patagonia.Long-Sleeve Turtleneck sports top (stretchy and easy to clean): Reebok/thrifted.Shorts: Adidas/thrifted (if you feel comfortable in just running tights, rock it, but I wanted another layer!)More items...•

How do you wash shoes after a Spartan race?

A cheaper solution:Remove the insoles if they come out. Then stuff them with newspaper. Once the paper soaks up all the water in your shoes, change it out with more dry newspaper. Repeat until the moisture is completely gone.

Which obstacle race is best for beginners?

The 5k Foam Fest is the easiest, all the way down to Spartan Race Sprint as the hardest “beginner-friendly” races. If you're looking for a good reason to get muddy and experience a challenging obstacle course race (the cool kids say “OCR”), our best suggestion is to start with Warrior Dash or Rugged Maniac.

Which obstacle race is the hardest?

The Spartan Death Race is arguably the most difficult obstacle course race in the world. This race is so difficult that many times, only about 10% of the participants actually finish the race. This highly unpredictable race takes place in Pittsfield, Vermont and the course varies from year to year.

Are terrain races muddy?

Jump, climb, roll, and crawl your way through this one-of-a-kind obstacle course. The Terrain Race takes advantage of the natural landscape of every venue we visit to bring you three miles of mud, ropes, monkey bars, walls, and more.

Can you wear cleats in mud?

Please remember, though, that shoes with metal cleats can damage obstacles so you'll want to stick with rubber cleats when choosing a mud run shoe. The Inov-8 Mudclaw™ 300 shoes boast the “ultimate grip” for the muddiest terrain and are just one of many good options for excellent traction during your race.

How do you clean up after a mud run?

What is the easiest way to clean yourself up after a mud run or OCR?Put all of your clothing and muddy shoes into your black bags.Give yourself a full wipe down using Mammoth Wipes.Get changed into your clean clothing.Pop on your clean shoes.Use the mammoth wipe to wipe down your face and hair if needed.Fix your hair.More items...

What are Mudder boots made of?

Constructed of chemical-resistant, non-stick plastic. Utilize expandable wings to provide 180 square inches of support when crossing soft terrain. Worn over boots or waders, the wings expand as you step onto soft surfaces to increase boot area by four times and then retract to 8†when you lift your foot.

Can you shower after Tough Mudder?

Yes, there are showers to rinse off following your run, as well as changing areas to get into fresh clothes.

What is mud gear?

According to MudGear, this is the ideal obstacle course race jersey. It has a fitted custom poly blend, highly breathable wicking material with convenient drainage and highly durable flat-lock stitching that makes it a strong option. This mud run gear also has a honeycomb 4-way stretch technology that hugs your skin, but naturally moves with it, breathing with you. MudGear’s performance shirt is Spartan Race tested.

What are the materials used in MiDori shorts?

Put together using 91% recycled polyester and 9% spandex stretch-woven blend , these lightweight trail shorts will help you move comfortably through each field activity. Its shell fabric is treated with DWR (durable water repellent) finish and ‘Polygiene’ permanent odor control for a chafe-free feel. In addition, it has a ‘miDori bioSoft’ double knit for superior wicking and softness, as well as two large zippered pockets to store some goods after you wash off after crossing that finish line.

What to wear for mud runs?

You can also wear spandex shorts, some lightweight, flexible run shorts or hybrid compression running shorts for the best of both worlds. Check out a few of our recommendations for obstacles race bottoms:

What are beastly shoes?

Theses beastly shoes are all about providing you with the ultimate grip, as it has 8mm studs to claw into the muddy terrain and a multidirectional stud pattern that allows mud to get released from the outsole quickly. They also have a ‘Dual-C’ mix of medium sticky and hard stick rubbers, keeping the studs strong to help you stomp through several mud runs. For protection against stones and debris, there’s a rand that wraps around the shoe’s upper and toe bumper.

What is the purpose of the D30 palm padding?

Although they are bulky with a ‘Thermoplastic Rubber’ knuckle guard and full-length fingertip protection, they do decrease the risk of impact and pinching injuries out there in the mud. The dual-layer internal fingertip reinforces the index finger and thumb for further support, making them very functional for obstacle course runs. The D30 palm padding does its job well in absorbing and dissolving impact energy, in case you slip and fall or have to grab hold of a bar at the last second.

What is a compression shirt?

With this compression shirt covering your back, you’ll have a breathable, soft, moisture-wicking cover up to help you endure the muddy activities. The four needle flat seam helps to minimize irritation and chafing and the ergonomic fit will allow for a superior range of motion for those obstacles that will test your flexibility. This compression shirt, made from Polyester and Elastane, is a tight fit, so order a size up if you want a little more breathing room.

What are the Reeboks' midfoot teeth?

Constructed for muddy trails and off-road terrain, these heavy-duty Reeboks have ‘ROPEPRO’ mid-foot teeth that bite into the Earth and give you a nice grip on rope climbs. It also has a compression molded EVA midsole for support, along with H20 drain technology to get rid of water quickly. Although they are tough, their seamless ripstop and mesh upper are lightweight and very breathable. They also have rock guard and toe bumpers for protection from annoying debris.

What type of glasses do you need for OCR?

Not only will they protect you from sun damage, but they will also protect your eyes from any mud or debris that could be kicked up during the race. If you need glasses to see, you should obviously use athletic eyewear or sunglasses with your prescription lenses – running an obstacle course without perfect vision is NOT recommended.

What is an OCR watch?

The one thing you see on every OCR start and finish line are athletes starting and stopping their watches to measure their performance down to the second. A good, durable GPS watch is something that anyone taking on more than a few events needs to have. OCR watches offer so many benefits beyond time keeping; they track pace, distance, and help judge how hard you should be pushing.

What do you do after an obstacle course?

Often after an obstacle course race, you’re tired, wet, hungry, and either too hot or too cold. You want to get some fuel, get dry, change your clothes, and get warm.

What gloves are good for obstacle course racing?

While gloves aren’t recommended for grip strength, they can help preserve it. For winter races or very wet events, a 3mm neoprene glove can be a grip saver by keeping your hands warmer while running and between obstacles. These gloves are also easy to remove when completing the grip obstacle, helping you lose less time than you would failing an obstacle because you can’t feel your fingers.

What is a 3mm glove?

For winter races or very wet events, a 3mm neoprene glove can be a grip saver by keeping your hands warmer while running and between obstacles. These gloves are also easy to remove when completing the grip obstacle, helping you lose less time than you would failing an obstacle because you can’t feel your fingers.

Why do you need a calf guard?

Calf guards are key race day gear for both their performance-enhancing and protective properties. Many athletes find that they decrease cramping throughout a race, but more importantly, they’ll protect you as you traverse the varied obstacles and terrain. When running through long grass, hay, thorny bushes or other nuisances, keeping your calves covered will protect your skin and keep you going.

What to wear for OCR?

There are few things more unpleasant than a slimy, wet sock sliding down into your shoe midway through the race. No matter what length sock you prefer – knee-high, ankle, etc. – the cardinal rule for OCR gear is NEVER wear cotton socks.

How to cover mud in car?

Cover the inside of your car with old sheets or towels. You can wrap a sheet all the way around your seats. Even if you rinse off, that mud is going to try to get in your car. ​You also can use a garbage bag as a seat cover.

What to wear after a race?

You don’t want to walk around in the shoes you raced in. They’re going to be muddy, sloshy, and slippery. Bring a pair of comfy shoes or flip flops to wear after your race. You'll want to walk around to see the vendors, food, music, contests, and more during the post race festival.

How to keep running shoes water tight?

Some runners suggest taping your shoes with duct tape to make them water-tight. That seems extra, but it’s up to you.

What do you wear to protect your hands from rope work?

If you want to protect your hands from the rope work, wear a pair of gloves. (Photo credit: Rugged Maniac)

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Is Rugged Maniac a 5k race?

Rugged Maniac isn't as severe as some ultimate OCRs, but it also isn't your local 5K road race. There are plenty of slippery opps for your jewelry and valuables to go missing.

Do OCRkings wear GoPros?

Here's a video by the #OCRKings. They're wearing GoPros while running a race so you get a real view of a Rugged Maniac race .

What is the All Out Crush shoe?

Merrell All Out Crush – Merrell has been a longtime staple of the outdoor industry. In the last couple of years, Merrell has made a push into the obstacle racing market with a partnership with Tough Mudder. In doing so they have tweaked their All Out Crush trail running shoe to adapt to the needs of obstacle racers. The shoe offers a solid platform and good lugs to get through the mud with ease. The All Out Crushes drain water well and rugged upper will last at least for a couple seasons.

What is Icebug Zeal?

Icebug Zeal & Zeal2 – Icebug is a brand that has become more and more popular the last few years. Originally designed for “SwimRun” events, these shoes typically drain well, are light weight, and durable for the beating they take on the course. While they have several models, the Zeal line work well on technical trails.

What is the most popular shoe for first race?

Salomon Speedcross -These might be the most popular shoe for people's very first race. Why? Salomon is a proven company with a track record of indestructible shoes. Salomon's are typically cheaper than a lot of the other dedicated models. The one downside? Shoe weight. If you've never used a “light” racing shoe before, you might not know the difference, but compared to a lot of the other models listed below, they are noticeably heavier.

Do lugs grip mud?

The construction is light and drains water well. The lugs grip the mud. However, it's worth noting that models prior to 2017 were not built to last and people were ripping holes in their shoes after just a use or two! So if you are looking into these, make sure they are a 2017 or later year model (as pictured).

What to wear to a ninja turtle course?

Wearing moisture-wicking clothes (including socks), finding durable shoes with good traction that drain well, and leaving all of your accessories at home will help you enjoy your time out on the course! (Of course, you could break all the rules and wear a Ninja Turtles costume, like this guy…) See you soon, Savages!

What to wear to a race when it's wet?

Cotton clothing also stretches out a lot when it gets wet, which can cause issues on the course. Choose athletic tees and tanks, sports bras, shorts/capris, etc. Anything that wicks moisture and will retain its shape when wet is a good choice for race clothing.

Can you put GoPro in waterproof case?

If you’re determined to bring a camera or GoPro out on the course, be sure to put your contact info inside of the waterproof case. Even if you have a strap or tether, it’s likely that you’ll lose your item in the water or mud, so think hard before deciding to bring it with you!

Can you lose things in the mud on a golf course?

It’s easy to lose accessories in the mud and water out on the course, so leave everything you can at home or locked up in your car! We’re constantly finding keys, wallets, IDs, credit cards, hats, headbands, watches, fitness trackers, prescription glasses, sunglasses, necklaces, bracelets, rings, cameras, and more. We do our best to return lost items to participants, but it can be tough to recover and match up all lost items with their owners.

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