Obstacle Course Racing is thought to be the fastest growing sport in the world. Total Warrior is the pinnacle of the sport in the UK, providing the most innovative and highest quality obstacles at its three race venues in Leeds, the Lake District, and – for the first time in 2015 – Edinburgh. More than 20,000 people are expected to take on a Total Warrior event this year so before you accept the challenge too, we’ve pulled together a list of five things you should know about Total Warrior …
Total Warrior cranks it up several notches so you need to be prepared for the ultimate test of stamina, strength and determination. With 30 punishing obstacles in each of its three locations, Total Warrior prides itself on offering greater variety and more obstacles-per-kilometre (or pain-for-your-pound) than any other race out there. So, if you want to avoid falling at the first giant hurdle, don’t forget the upper body training. And do bring a change of clothes to wear with your free finisher’s T-shirt at the after-party because you’re going to get a bit muddy. A big bit muddy.
In many ways, the beauty of Total Warrior is that the precise nature of the challenge can differ from person to person. Timing chips are provided, so participants can set themselves a personal target or aim to do it faster than a friend or rival. For some, the challenge will be to complete all six of the Total Warrior event days in one calendar year. For others, it is to take home the coveted Best Fancy Dress prize. Some people sign up to lose weight; others sign up to raise money for a cause close to their hearts. But for most participants, “winning” simply means crossing the finishing line and enjoying a well-earned free beer. Whatever your personal goal, you’ll find the support and camaraderie of your fellow Warriors provides the motivation you need to achieve it.
Far from it, in fact. The profile of Total Warrior participants has changed considerably over the last four years and in 2014 more than 45% of entrants were female. Participants come from all over the world to experience a Total Warrior event, with Warriors sharing their battle stories over a beer at the post-race party long after the final person has crossed the finishing line. So stick around, enjoy the festival atmosphere in the event village, and savour the moment.
You can fly solo if you wish – and many Warriors do – but 80% of participants choose to run as part of a team. That way, when you’re knackered, soaked, muddied, and close to tears, at least you’ll have the consolation of looking around and knowing from their faces that your mates are suffering too.
Total Warrior is tough, there’s no getting away from that. But it’s also a hell of a lot of fun. So wear a vest if you want to show off your muscles, by all means, but most importantly of all: wear a smile. And while we’re on the subject of what to wear, did we mention the mud? No? Well, unless you were a hippopotamus in a previous life, you will almost certainly never have encountered as much mud as you will here. So leave your best clobber at home and come prepared for mud, sweat, and beers.