Best OCR Races of 2019

Whether you’re looking for the best Spartan Race vs Tough Mudder in 2019, or just want to take part in some of the most unique OCR races the sport has to offer, there are plenty of options for you. Regional and international races offer competitors a wide range of elements, obstacles, elevation changes, and competition. These best OCR races of 2019 will challenge all racers, and provide the best experiences of any event you’ll attend this year.

While there are lots of international and championship races that should be on every OCR racer’s bucket list, we stuck primarily to North American races for this list. Below are our top 10 best OCR races of 2019 you should put on your OCR Buddy calendar.

Abominable Snow Race

• Where: Devil’s Head Ski Resort • S6330 Bluff Rd Merrimac, WI  53561
• When: February 1-3
• Cost: $59-$109

You need to hurry to get registered for one of winters best OCR races of 2019. The Abominable Snow Race takes racers through one of two snowy, obstacle-heavy courses that is the perfect way to kick off your OCR season. This is one of the best OCR races of 2019 if you like having fun in the snow.

• Highlight: Full weekend of family fun, including late night trail races, Sunday brunch, and a kids race

War-X: Hostile Takeover

• Where: Jackson, Ohio
• When: April 6-7
• Cost: $239.99-$249.99

War-X is not for the faint of heart. It is one part OCR, and one part Call of Duty. The Hostile Takeover is War-X’s most unique event, which is geared more toward the experience than the race. For those looking for races, there are three other events you can check out in War-X’s yearly race series. But for those who want to try something different that they’ll never forget, War-X Hostile Takeover is certainly among the best OCR races of 2019.

• Highlight: learning the survival and tactical skills from real-life veterans

F.I.T. Challenge

• Where: Diamond Hill Park, Cumberland, RI
• When: April 6
• Cost: $65-$200

Take on the 5K or opt for the multilap option, but come prepared for one of the best races of the season. F.I.T. Challenge is constantly recognized by Mud Run Guide as having some of the most best OCR obstacles year after year. 2019 promises to be no different, with over 30 obstacles and the addition of a 12-hour race to test the best OCR has to offer.

• Highlight: The Destroyer obstacle – bonus points if you learn what “no blocks” means!

Newbsanity Mud Gauntlet

• Where: 790 Dunham Hill Rd, Binghamton, NY 13905
• When: May 11
• Cost: $85

Don’t let the fact that the Newbsanity Mud Gauntlet only covers a 5K distance, as the obstacles are world-class and challenging to all racers. This event is a gem when it comes to local, fixed-location venues, and all the proceeds benefit the Southern Tier Aids program. Most obstacles have two ways to complete them, offering racers a risk/reward for those who want to push themselves toward the podium.

• Highlight: This one is all about the obstacles. The massive quarter pipe and grip rig are two to remember for sure

Indian Mud Run

• Where: Coshocton, Ohio
• When: June 22
• Cost: $50-$100

Indian Mud Run has become one of the premier, non-major race series for competitive and amateur racers alike. The 6.2 mile course offers the perfect mix of technical trails, unique and challenging obstacles, and a small (but growing) number of racers which give Indian Mud Run an intimate feel you’re sure to love. Pro tip: bring some gloves because there are lots of grip obstacles and you’ll want the extra protection.

• Highlight: Floating Walls + all the scenic technical trails

Savage Race – Pennsylvania

• Where: Albrightsville, PA
• When: June 22-23
• Cost: $71-$97

While all Savage Race courses are great, especially Ohio’s massive elevation gains and Chicago’s speed-focused course, the fact that Savage Race PA is located on a paintball course and uses those obstacles into the race makes it our favorite. Savage Race claims to have the best obstacles, and it’s hard to argue after racing courses like this. Great before and after party too!

• Highlight: Unique feel from the course you won’t find anywhere else — and the after party!

Spartan Stadion – LA Stadium

• Where: Los Angeles, CA
• When: Aug. 3
• Cost: $129-$169

There are a lot of great races in the best Spartan Race Stadium series, but our favorite has to be the Spartan Stadion – LA Stadium. Spartan Race is the only series that takes on these unique venues, and there is more of a light-hearted feel when racers ditch their typical best OCR gear and strap on their sneakers for this type of race.

• Highlight: the rush of signature Spartan Race obstacles in LA Stadium

Spartan Race – Killington, VT

• Where: Killington, VT
• When: Sept. 14-15
• Cost: Sprint – $109+ Beast – $159+ Ultra – $249+

One of the most iconic Spartan Race venues, the Killington Spartan Race is widely known as the “birthplace of Spartan Race.” While this venue is slightly different and much larger than the first Spartan Race, fans of the sport flock to this venue every year to test their skills against one of the biggest fields of any of the best Spartan Races of the year.

• Highlight: Scenic views atop massive, steep ascents

Conquer the Gauntlet – Tulsa

• Where: Tulsa, OK
• When: Sept. 14
• Cost: $49-$89

Probably the toughest of the Conquer the Gauntlet tracks, the Tulsa event is truly epic for a number of reasons. First, this is a family-run event that is world-class and stands up to any international OCR series. Second, the obstacles are memorable and challenging. On top of it all, this is a great venue to bring family and friends who aren’t racing, as the atmosphere is one of the best OCR has to offer.

• Highlight: Zero hidden fees or taxes, so the price you see online is the price you pay. Plus, you get a unique race layout built by people who know the sport

Spartan Race Super – Whistler

• Where: 4545 Blackcomb Way, Whistler, BC
• When: Sept. 14-15
• Cost: ₵$75-₵$145

The Spartan Race Super in Whistler, Canada might be the only international race for US racers to make our best OCR races of 2019, but it’s easy to get to and definitely one for the books. Get ready for over 7,000 feet of elevation as you take on this monster Super course, or scale back and tackle the Sprint course, which will still leave you gasping for air when you’re done.

• Highlight: Scenic, natural trails atop Garibaldi Provincial Park

Bonus: Spartan Race – Morzine, France

• Where: Morzine, France
• When: July 6
• Cost: ₠77-₠177 (Euros)

So we said we were going to stick to North America, but if there was one race to go to internationally not named “OCRWC,” it should be the Spartan Race in Morzine, France. This Trifecta weekend National Series is one of the most scenic races you’ll run anywhere, and there is nothing wrong with taking in one of the most beautiful locations in the world while earning a medal or two.

• Highlight: Stopping atop the French Alps and noticing Lake Geneva to the north and Mont Blanc to the south