How to Run an Obstacle Course Race / Mud Run Event in Colorado

Running an obstacle course race event in Colorado? Here's how to plan it, pick a format and run it on Colorado Under Par, start to finish.

What it looks like

Colorado obstacle and mud runs take place at ski areas, ranches and open space in summer and fall, drawing friends, coworkers and charity teams as well as competitive racers.

Formats

5K Mud Run

A 5 kilometer course with mud pits, walls and crawls.

Sprint (short)

A short course, about 3 miles, with around 20 obstacles.

Super (mid)

A mid-length course, about 6 to 8 miles, with more obstacles and climbing.

Beast (long)

A long course, often 12 miles or more, with many obstacles and steep terrain.

Kids Race

A shorter, easier course for kids by age group, often with parents allowed nearby.

Elite / Competitive Heat

The first wave for competitive racers who must finish every obstacle or take a penalty.

Team Wave

Groups start together and help each other through obstacles.

Rope Climb Challenge

Time racers on a single rope climb at one obstacle, with mats and spotters below. Fastest climber wins a prize.

Buy a Skip Pass

Racers donate for one skip pass on any obstacle. It raises money and helps newcomers feel welcome.

Muddy Shoe Wall

Racers can donate their muddy shoes to a wall that gets cleaned and donated. It becomes a photo spot and a tradition.

Build it

In the Organizer Dashboard, click Create event and pick obstacle course race and your format. Every tab, word and Start here guide then follows your sport.

Registration

Ask for race distance, wave time (elite, age group or open), age group, team name, shirt size and a signed waiver.

Results

Open Course map and race info to upload a GPX file or draw the route, and pin the start, finish, water and parking. Bibs are automatic: set the first bib and every entrant gets the next number when they register. Time it with the phone finish line link, which works with no signal, or upload your timer's results file. Pick age groups and awards, and every entrant gets a results email when you post them.

Event day

Racers check in and get bibs and wristbands, warm up near the start, run in scheduled waves, rinse off at the finish, then gather at the festival area for results and awards.

Fun ideas

Make it memorable. Three ideas people love. Rope Climb Challenge. Time racers on a single rope climb at one obstacle, with mats and spotters below. Fastest climber wins a prize. Buy a Skip Pass. Racers donate for one skip pass on any obstacle. It raises money and helps newcomers feel welcome. Muddy Shoe Wall. Racers can donate their muddy shoes to a wall that gets cleaned and donated. It becomes a photo spot and a tradition.

Tip

One tip for first-timers: set up hose and rinse stations plus a bag check, because muddy racers need a place to clean up and store dry clothes. Building is free, then 1% per paid order plus card processing, paid to your own Stripe account. Stuck? Ask Caddie or search Need help in your dashboard. Start at coloradounderpar.com/sell-tickets.