Obstacle course race training: what to know

What the job involves, what changes the price, and what to ask a pro.

What obstacle course race training is

Obstacle course race training is coaching for obstacle races, with grip, strength, running and climbing work, and practice on obstacles like walls, ropes and carries.

Signs you need it

  • You signed up for an obstacle race and have never climbed a wall
  • Your grip gives out before your legs do
  • You want to run on mud and uneven ground
  • You want to train with a team
  • You fear falling off monkey bars or ropes

What the pro does

  • Intake on your race, experience and goals
  • Grip, pull and carry strength work
  • Running on trails or hills
  • Practice on walls, ropes and bars
  • Race day plan and gear advice

What changes the price

Every job is different, so we do not publish prices. These are the things that move the quote up or down.

  • Plan length
  • Access to obstacles
  • Group or private
  • Outdoor location
  • Race distance
  • Coach experience

What a written quote should spell out

  • Plan length and session schedule
  • Obstacle access and location
  • Cancellation terms
  • Race day plan
  • Gear you need to bring

Questions to ask before you hire

  • Have you raced obstacle events?
  • How do you teach climbs and ropes safely?
  • How do you build grip?
  • What gear do I need?
  • How do you handle weather?
  • How do you handle injuries?

Red flags

  • No safety plan on obstacles
  • Ignoring pain
  • Rushing climbs
  • No spotting
  • Generic plan

What you can do yourself

You can practice running, pull-ups with support and carries with light weights. Talk with your doctor before starting if you have health conditions, an injury or take medication. Climbs and falls carry risk, so learn technique from a coach.

Licenses and permits

No license is usually required to teach this. Ask about training, any certification, first aid and CPR, and liability insurance, and how to verify each with the issuer, and ask for a client reference.

Obstacle course race training questions

Do I need to be strong?

No. Training builds grip, pulling and carrying strength over time.

What shoes?

Trail shoes with grip that drain and dry well are common for mud and uneven ground.

Can I train indoors?

Some work can be indoors, such as grip and pulling, but running on trails and practicing obstacles is best done outdoors.

Can I join a team?

Many coaches train teams. Ask about group sessions and how teammates train together.

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