Tough Mudder
Crumland Farm, Frederick
This 10-12 mile obstacle course, which takes place every September in Frederick, includes tons of obstacles such as climbing through trenches, swimming in underwater tunnels, and wading through a mile-long mud pit. The race benefits the Wounded Warrior Project, which aides injured service members. toughmudder.com
Warrior Dash
Budd’s Creek, Mechanicsville
This nearly 5K racecourse includes 12 intense obstacles like wall climbing, repelling, fire jumping, and running through tires. But fun is certainly encouraged as participants get a fuzzy Viking helmet to start, and the May race has been called an “adult playground.” warriordash.com
Run For Your Lives
Camp Ramblewood, Darlington
This 5K course, which takes place October 27 and 28, has the ultimate obstacle—zombies! Before the race, participants get a flag belt and zombies (hired actors) try to take your flags throughout the course, which includes man-made and natural obstacles. A post-apocalyptic party (with plenty of beer) ensues afterwards. runforyourlives.com
Urban Dare
Downtown Baltimore
Like a one-day Amazing Race, this July event requires teams of two to run around the city, solving clues to find checkpoints where they take photos or perform dares—whether that means hopping a bus downtown, swimming in a fountain, or posing with local landmarks like a tourist. urbandare.com
Rebel Race
Cage Stables, St. Leonard
This July event isn’t for the faint of heart. Rebel Race is a 5K or 15K race that involves plenty of obstacles (barricade climbing, rope swinging, and fire jumping), but it’s also a weekend-long event with live music, fireworks, and camping. rebelrace.com
Mud Chasers
Camp Puh’tok, Monkton
This November event is known as the last mud run of the season—and it gets the whole family involved. Children ages 5-13 are considered “mini-mudders” and can run a one-mile, kid-sized obstacle course. The more intense (and 21+) set runs a challenging obstacle course three times over and the male and female with the best times win trophies. mudchasers.com
