North Carolina Mud Run & Obstacle Race Calendar 2025-2026

The Asheville Spartan Event Weekend, held at the Tryon International Equestrian Center in North Carolina, offers a challenging obstacle course race experience set in a scenic equestrian venue. Participants can choose from a 5K Sprint with 20 obstacles, a 10K Super with 25 obstacles, or a kids' race ranging from 1-3 km. The course features diverse terrain including horse trails, red clay hill climbs, and creek beds, testing racers' strength and agility. Unique obstacles like the Atlas Carry, A-Frame Cargo Climb, and Spear Throw highlight the event. The race is part of the Honor Series, honoring military and first responders, and offers medals, finisher tees, and a vibrant festival atmosphere. Visit the organization's website for the most recent information.

The Ohana Mud Run is a fun-filled 1-mile obstacle race held in Morganton, North Carolina, at the Bennick Compound. Featuring 16 challenging obstacles, the course includes giant sprinklers, a lazy river, and plenty of mud, creating an exciting and messy adventure for participants. Known for its family-friendly atmosphere, the event encourages runners of all ages to enjoy the muddy fun together. The race is well-organized and has consistently sold out over the past five years, highlighting its popularity. With a focus on fun and memorable moments, the Ohana Mud Run offers a unique outdoor experience for those looking to get active and embrace the mud. Visit the organization's website for the most recent information.

The Tough Oaks OCR (Obstacle Course Run) takes place at Camp Albemarle in Newport, North Carolina. This 5K race features over 20 strength, endurance, and agility obstacles set across mostly flat terrain including open fields, woodlands, and shallow water. The event offers two timed heats: the Elite Heat, designed for competitive participants who must complete all obstacles or face penalty burpees, and the family-friendly Open Race, which allows scaling of obstacles and penalties. The course is suitable for adults, teenagers, and athletic children, with safety supervision and staggered starts to avoid congestion. Food trucks and EMS support are available on site, creating a fun and supportive atmosphere for all ages. Visit the organization's website for the most recent information.

The Dirty Dozen 5K and Fun Run Obstacle Mud Run is an annual event held at the Jerry Long Family YMCA in Clemmons, North Carolina. Scheduled for September 13, 2025, it features a challenging 5K obstacle course for participants aged 7 and up, as well as a 1-mile Fun Run open to all ages. The course includes various obstacles designed to test strength, agility, and endurance, with new features in 2025 such as an improved slip and slide and additional shower stations.

Participants can compete individually or in teams of four. Proceeds support YMCA health programs benefiting cancer survivors and those with chronic diseases. The event offers a fun, muddy atmosphere and coincides with the Clemmons Oktoberfest. Visit the organization's website for the most recent information.

The Charlotte Spartan Event Weekend takes place at Porter Farms in Concord, North Carolina, just outside Charlotte. This obstacle course race offers diverse terrain featuring mud, creeks, and classic Spartan obstacles without steep climbs, making it accessible yet challenging. Participants can choose from several race distances, including a 5K Sprint with 20 obstacles, a 10K Super with 25 obstacles, and kids' races ranging from 1 to 3 kilometers. The event also includes endurance challenges like the Hurricane Heat 4-hour and 12-hour races. The atmosphere is supportive and team-oriented, with options for group participation and discounts for service members. Visit the organization's website for the most recent information.

The Fayetteville Spartan Trifecta Weekend, held at McCormick Farms in Spring Lake, NC, is a premier obstacle course racing event featuring challenging terrain including dense forests, rolling hills, a 200-foot deep quarry, and steep riverbanks. Participants can choose from multiple race distances: Sprint (5K, 20 obstacles), Super (10K, 25 obstacles), Beast (21K, 30 obstacles), Ultra (50K, 60 obstacles), and Kids races. The event offers a full spectrum of Spartan challenges over two days, testing both physical and mental endurance. Known for its tough course and supportive atmosphere, Fayetteville’s Spartan Race is a favorite among racers seeking to conquer Southern humidity and rugged Carolina grit. Visit the organization's website for the most recent information.

Tackle the Tar is an annual 5K obstacle course race held at the Rocky Mount Sports Complex in Rocky Mount, North Carolina. The course runs through historic Battle Park and the E.B. Grain Company property, featuring over 15 challenging obstacles including a mud pit, climbing walls, tire mountains, and water crossings.

The event also offers a 1-mile kids' obstacle race for ages 8-13. Participants receive a T-shirt, medal, goodie bag, and a free beer for those over 21. The race supports local college scholarships, having awarded over $600,000 since 2016.

The atmosphere is family-friendly with music, festivities, and free spectator access. Visit the organization's website for the most recent information.

The The Bear Crawl OCR will take place in Morganton on Saturday 16 May 2026. You can run between 3 and 6 kilometers.

The Savage Race - Charlotte will take place in Charlotte on Saturday 6 June 2026. You can run between 3 and 7 kilometers.