obstacle course

American  

noun

1. a military training area having obstacles, as hurdles, ditches, and walls, that must be surmounted or crossed in succession.

2. Informal. an event, situation, course of action, or the like that presents many challenges or difficulties.

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Example Sentences

Show jumping pits a horse and rider against an obstacle course, where they clear fences against the clock.

From The Wall Street Journal • Mar. 14, 2026

But for the 35 residents of Kapisillit, getting to that care is an obstacle course.

From Barron's • Feb. 23, 2026

The first element in the men's and women's sprints sees athletes run uphill with skis on their boots through an obstacle course that includes two sets of diamonds that competitors have to negotiate around.

From BBC • Feb. 19, 2026

Challenge him to produce a good time in an obstacle course, no problem.

From Los Angeles Times • Jan. 21, 2026

I swing my stump over the side of the tub and stand straddling the curb, trying to figure out the next step of this obstacle course.

From "The Running Dream" by Wendelin Van Draanen