Every year, adventure races all over Europe continue to pull in massive crowds. People just can’t get enough of it.
The lure of mud and all manner of brutal, physical obstacles is unrelenting – and the courses only get tougher and whackier with each edition.
Whether you enter for a charitable cause or you just like to put yourself to the test – these races attract entrants from all walks of life. And that is why they are so special.
So, in celebration of all the mad-hatters out there who embrace the mud, we’ve got our hands dirty and pulled together the definitive list of European adventure races…
1. Mud Masters
“Are you really a die-hard? Or secretly a chicken? Don’t get crazy. Fear is an emotion and emotions can be turned off.” – Mud Masters
With five events taking place across Germany and the Netherlands, Mud Masters has built up a reputation as a mainland favourite – and it just keeps getting better! Entrants face obstacles such as the Pipe Runner, The Flyer, Sizzler, Toetanchamon steps and much, much more.
2. La Transbaie
Up on the northern French coast you’ll find La Transbaie. Less of an obstacle course, more of a long, hard slog along beaches and bays at low tide.
This is a unique event. Be ready for a 13-14km battle against knee-deep mud, strong winds – and a glorious, gruelling 5km loop in the town of St Valéry sur Somme.
3. Raid Aventure Pélissanne
The atmosphere at Raid Aventure Pélissanne is pretty hard to beat. One for all the family, there are multiple courses to choose from (the Black Trail being the biggest challenge on offer).
Party down at the foam party before taking on over 30 separate obstacles. Not only will you need to wade through rivers and mud, there’s also waterslides, zip wires, tunnels and tires!
4. Nordisk eXtreme marathon
Now we turn things up a gear with Denmark’s Nordisk eXtreme marathon. Having already looked at some of the biggest endurance challenges in Europe this one has our attention.
eXtreme marathon is a two-day event which involves camping and isn’t restricted to just one race. Choose from trail, expedition, team and solo races…
5. The Wolf Run
Some 6000 participants – give or take – enter the four yearly Wolf Run events, so you can be sure there’ll be plenty going on. The event calls both Warwickshire (Welsh Road Farm) and Leicestershire (Stanford Hall) home. Take your pick from the Spring, Summer, Autumn and Winter meets…
6. The Mud Day
With events in France, Switzerland and Israel, The Mud Day doesn’t disappoint.
If mud is at the top of your priorities list, you’ll find it here (surprise, surprise). An impressive collection of obstacles awaits those who are ready to take on the challenge.
7. Tough Mudder
“At Tough Mudder, you won’t just face your fears – you’ll knock them down. You’ll go over, around, and through them. You’ll test your strength, stamina, and grit, and you’ll help the Mudders around you to do the same.” – Tough Mudder
Tough Mudder is a hugely popular, worldwide event series with plenty of European calendar dates. We’ll let the 12 miles and 20+ obstacles speak for themselves…
8. Born Survivor
Designed by Royal Marines Commandos, this is the ultimate military obstacle course. Epic in all senses of the word, entrants to the UK-based challenge must expend every last drop of fuel in the tank to prove they’ve got what it takes to beat the course.
“10KM of epic terrain and 30+ military training inspired obstacles are all that stand between you and becoming a Born Survivor!” – Born Survivor
9. Fisherman’s Friend Strongman Run
This now global event stretches as far afield as South Africa. But with Strongman Run calendar dates including France, Germany, Italy, Switzerland, Belgium and more – you won’t need to leave the continent to put the course (and yourself) through its paces…
10. Spartan Race
From Edinburgh to London, Spartan Races are littered up and down the UK. Races vary in distance and each have their own signature obstacles which set them apart as individual challenges in themselves. The choice is yours.
11. Legion Run
Legion Run is an extreme test of backbone and resolve. Quite possibly the most brutal adventure race on the list, those bold enough to brave it will find themselves pushed to the far reaches of their ability. European events include Ukraine, Bulgaria, Slovakia, Israel, Italy, Greece and France.
12. X’trem Volcanique
For those going in search of adventure and adrenaline, it doesn’t get much better than this. Held in Parc des Volcans d’Auvergne (The Park of Volcanoes), X’trem Volcanique offers 3 brutal courses ranging from 1.5km to 10km and some awesome backdrops!
13. Dorians Challenge
5 kilometres and 20 beastly obstacles face those who take on Dorians Challenge. The event brings weekend warriors from far and wide to the warm Cypriot climes for a day of mythically inspired trials that are unforgiving to say the least.
14. The Gauntlet Games
Whether it’s the Belly Slide, the Joust Pit or the Flume of Doom, Gauntlet’s off-the-wall adventure obstacles give this event a certain charm. Held in London, Cardiff, Brighton and Manchester throughout summer and autumn, there’s plenty of chance to don your finest lycras. The Gauntlet Games will have you grinning all the way to the finish line.