obstacle race

[ ob-stuh-kuhl reys ]

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.

obstacle race

noun

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

Other Words From

• ob·sta·cle rac·er noun

Word History and Origins

Origin of obstacle race¹

First recorded in 1865–70

Example Sentences

She did a wide variety of sports as a kid, including obstacle races with her sister and cousins in her grandpa's garden and football with the boys in the playground.

From BBC

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

From BBC

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

“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

After previously competing primarily in the 1,500 meters, she made a sudden switch this spring to the 3,000-meter steeplechase — an obstacle race that includes both hurdles and water jumps.

From Seattle Times