Savage Race has built a loyal fan base thanks in large part to their larger-than-life obstacles. The impressive Savage Race obstacle list includes new challenges like Holy Sheets and Battering Ram, along with perennial favorites like Davy Jones Locker and Wheel World. While each race is different, you can expect to see many of the same obstacles for each race every year, and we’re sure the Savage Race obstacle list will continue to grow in 2020.
Below, we rank our 10 favorite tests of strength that you can expect to see at most Savage Races around the country. While our Savage Race obstacle list isn’t everything, they’re our favorites and you’re sure to love them as well. See how Savage compares to Spartan.
Davy Jones Locker
Like many other entries on this Savage Race obstacle list, Davy Jones Locker is a mental test more than a physical one. In simple terms, all you have to do is jump. In reality, you need to look down 15 feet into murky water, and have the courage to face your fears and let go.
Completion Rate: 65%
Sawtooth
Think of monkey bars on steroids, and you have our second favorite test of strength on our Savage Race obstacle list. This also makes for one of the best picture moments you’ll encounter during the race.
Completion Rate: 40%
Colossus Slide
If you’re wearing a headband, you might want to take it off or put it around your neck before taking on this giant water slide. Face it straight, or have some fun and go head first (if they let you). Whatever you do, soak in the moment and get ready to see some pictures of yourself making a funny face ahead of hitting the water below.
Completion Rate: 88%
Twirly Bird
This is one of the most challenging entries on our Savage Race obstacle list because it requires two of the hardest things to train: grip strength and technique. To conquer this one, make sure you use some momentum and don’t take a break as you traverse a series of difficult, hanging ropes.
Completion Rate: 40%
Wheel World
We are putting back-to-back monsters on our Savage Race obstacle list, and Wheel World is just that. As much technique as grip strength, getting from one side to the other will test your technique, and will drop you in some water before another go if you don’t get it done right the first try.
Completion Rate: 55%
Anchors Aweigh
When Savage Race began, some of the best Savage Race obstacles are still some of the best today. But Savage Race is constantly pushing the needle on making great obstacles, and Anchors Aweigh is one of their newest and best obstacles. The concept is simple: take two rings and get from one side of the rig to the other by locking those rings onto dangling “anchors.” Grip strength will be tested, and if you happen to miss an anchor, good luck getting your momentum back to make it to the other side!
Completion Rate: 75%
Twin Peaks
Half-pipes aren’t just for skaters. You’ll run up one side of a quarter pipe, and go right into a half-pipe (think up-down-up).Don’t overthink this one and you’ll be fine. You’re sure to see a few people stuck in the middle of this one, but avoid them and keep your feet moving and you’ll be fine.
Completion Rate: 55%
Teeter Tuber
Remember when you were a kid and you could sit on one side of a teeter-totter with a friend and go up and down? This is kind of like that, only you have to crawl up a hollow plastic tube, and wait for it to spit you out the other side when you get to the midpoint and the tube shifts down.
Completion Rate: 70%
Pedal for the Medal
Another favorite best Savage Race obstacle, this giant-spool of weighted rope is all burn on your quads and hammies. As you reel in the cinderblock from across the field, remember this pro tip to make things a little easier: keep your feet on the same side of the spool to generate more momentum. I learned this the hard way after my first race, and it made all the difference the second time I faced this obstacle.
Completion Rate: unknown
Shriveled Richard
While in the moment, this “ice bath meets dunk wall” style obstacle isn’t fun, it’s one of the most talked about moment most people reference after the race. While not the most physical test of strength, you will be challenged mentally heading into and immediately after this obstacle.
