obstacle race

American  

[ob-stuh-kuhl reys] / ˈɒb stə kəl ˌreɪs /

noun

1. a race in which the contestants are prevented in a specific way from covering the full course at top speed, as by having hurdles to jump, mud pits to cross, or ropes or walls to climb.

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obstacle race British  

noun

1. a race in which competitors have to negotiate various obstacles

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Other Word Forms

• obstacle racer
  noun

Etymology

Origin of obstacle race

First recorded in 1865–70

Example Sentences

Getting information about one's treatment seems like an obstacle race where the system is always one step ahead.

From BBC • Oct. 28, 2023

Sunday brings the end of the skills portion: the finals of the best catch, an obstacle race, a special teams game called kick-tac-toe and a strength contest.

From Washington Times • Feb. 4, 2023

“I think many of us are feeling conflicted about celebrating 4th of July right now,” obstacle race champion and attorney Amelia Boone tweeted as the week gave way to the long holiday weekend.

From Seattle Times • Jul. 3, 2022

Just like CrossFit and obstacle race brands like Tough Mudder and Spartan Race, GoRuck is cashing in on the demand for extreme exercise.

From Time • Jun. 2, 2017

An obstacle race, with a prize at the end.

From "The God of Small Things" by Arundhati Roy