Discussion: Mud Pits and Barbed Wire: 'Adventure Racing' Faces Identity Crisis

Here is good article about AR and Obstacle Races.
http://gearjunkie.com/adventure-racing-identity-cr...
feel free to comment

Its not adventure racing. Either are the one day multi sport races.
Good races, but the whole lack of nav and a mountain bike (+ teams, sleep deprivation etc) kinda take away from the adventure racing aspect of it.

Good races, but just glorified triathlons.

It's neither adventure racing nor triathlon. We can undoubtedly learn something from the marketing of these very successful obstacle races. However, they require a much lower level of commitment (time, preparation, skills training) than AR or orienteering so I wouldn't expect a huge rush of crossover athletes.

Sorry... I kinda veired into what is happening on the Irish scene.
http://www.gaelforceevents.com/west/en/welcome.htm...

Although there is also the mud runs here is well

That one sounds like fun! But yes, it sounds like multi-sport, not adventure racing.

If it's a race and there is an element of adventure I figure you can call it an adventure race if you like. But I think the typical adventure race we think of is, well, a typical adventure race, not an obstacle course.

If it makes money, and is profitable, it is not an adventure race:)

If everyone finishes and or no one bitches and moans about course design/logistics/rules... it is not an AR :-)

Excellent points guys... excellent points.

:) If they complain about the course markings, it is also not an AR.

Urthbouy and FB's comments could easily be the same for comparing AR and O. except change AR in their posts to O. ;-) because Traditional O ain't profitable (in North America).

I think the term "adventure running" captures O, rogaine, ultra trail run, obstacle, AND Mtn marathon forms of running collectively quite well.

I personally can't complain to much what they choose to call these obstacle courses. Most of them have never heard of an AR anyway so they don't know that it isn't the same as what they do. I typically have to explain what an AR is when I talk to people any way. It is not a very descriptive name.

I think these obstacle races look fun and challenging but the cost for me is too much. I do think you get more for your money than a road marathon though. I still feel Omeets, ultra trail runs and AR's have the best return.

I like Hammer's use of the term "adventure running." Maybe you can even come up with a cooler sounding name similar to parkour. Although, I will give these obstacle races credit as they typically require more physical strength than the other activities listed. Orienteering has the mental aspect. Both could still be considered an adventurous form of running.