12 Summer Obstacle Races in Calgary

Unlike a marathon, these runs don’t require months of training to complete, but some of them do require you to sign up early to reserve a spot.

You know those races where the participants are seriously competitive athletes? Wearing tech-tees, stretching and talking about race day nutrition at the start line? These races aren’t like that. These races are all about the experience.

If you’re not the kind of person who is ready to take on the Calgary Marathon or the Calgary Police Half Marathon, you can still experience race day adrenaline. These 13 races are all about having fun, rather than finishing in a best time. And they’re all filling up fast, so register soon.

Woman2Warrior

When: May 30

Cost: Each participant is required to raise a minimum of $300 by May 29

The concept: This is the first time this event is held in Calgary. This is a fun, non-timed event just for women. Each participant will run the five-kilometre trail course and complete obstacles that test strength, balance and agility. Two special, honorary warriors will also be at the race: 2010 Olympic curling medalist Cheryl Bernard and Canadian luge Olympian Alex Gough. This race benefits Easter Seals Alberta and the Children’s Hospital Aid Society.

Riley Park and SAIT, 1301 16 Ave. N.W., calgary.woman2warrior.ca

City Chase Calgary

When: June 6

Cost: Teams of two register for $150

The concept: Think The Amazing Race but without the international travel. With your most reliable buddy, you’ll track down different “ChasePoints” throughout the city with the help of clues. You could end up travelling as far as 20 kilometres.

Runners will race all over the city. The locations are kept a secret until race day. goodlifefitnesscitychase.ca

Color Me Rad

When: June 27

Cost: From $40 to $60

The concept: In most races, you get sweaty. In this race, you get colourful. Loosely based on the Hindu Festival of Colours known as Holi, runners get coated with blue, green, yellow, purple and pink liquids, powders and gels. Over the five-kilometre course, there’s lots of music and energy.

WinSport, 88 Canada Olympic Rd. S.W., colormerad.com

Rugged Maniac 5-Kilometre Obstacle Race

When: July 18

Cost: $59

The concept: This is the first year that Rugged Maniac is held in Calgary. Over five kilometres, complete 25 obstacles such as climbing towers of shipping containers, bouncing on trampolines, leaping over fire and racing down a water slide. The race is basically an all-day party: there are mechanical bulls and beer waiting for you at the finish line. The race is already more than 60 per cent full.

WinSport, 88 Canada Olympic Rd. S.W., ruggedmaniac.com

Zombie Survivor

When: July 25

Cost: From $24.95 to $94.95

The concept: It’s the end of the world and only a few humans have survived the apocalypse. In order to stay alive, though, they need to outrun the zombies who are out to get them. In this race, a total of 2,500 runners need to make it past 500 hungry zombies. There are 12 man-made obstacles in the way, just to make things even more challenging.

Cochrane AG Society, Hwy 22 and 1A, zombiesurvivor.ca

The Spartan Race

When: August 15 and 16

Cost: From $80 to $110

The concept: This race is fun, but it isn’t for the faint of heart. This year, Calgary hosts the sprint distance Spartan Race, which means runners need to complete fifteen obstacles over a five-kilometre course. You’ll be climbing ropes and doing more burpees than you thought was physically possible.

Wild Rose MX Park, 5608 Burbank Cres. S.E., spartanrace.com

Survivor Mud Run Calgary

When: August 22

Cost: From US$49 to US$80

The concept: Runners wade through mud throughout the entire 5-kilometre course. As well as having to make it through natural mud pits, participants need to complete 20 obstacles. Use this race as a warm-up for Tough Mudder in a few weeks.

WinSport, 88 Canada Olympic Rd. S.W., survivormudrun.com

Other fun races to look into

Tough Mudder

September 5 and 6

CLC Mud Run

September 12

The Neon Run

September 19

The Color Run

Date TBD

The Electro Dash

Date TBD