Obstacle Course Racing: Mud, Guts and Fun.
Maxim Middle East|December 2016

There is an old Hebrew proverb – originating from Ecclesiastes – that propounds that ‘there is nothing new under the sun’. This is certainly true of the modern phenomenon of Obstacle Course Racing, the challenging sport that is starting to pique imaginations and challenge individuals across the world.

Graham Barlow
Obstacle Course Racing: Mud, Guts and Fun.

The first Obstacle Course Race, or OCR, as the sport is affectionately known by its adherents, was probably the stadion, the oldest event in the Olympic Games. Dating back to 776 BCE, this was a footrace run inside a stadium – hence its name – over a less than demanding distance of about 180 metres. The difficulty was that it was run barefoot through thick sand. In fact a lot more than merely barefoot – the first competitors were stark naked, probably one of the reasons why the Olympic participants, and spectators, were all Greek men in those ancient days. Given that starting guns were still a distant dream, the races were set offby a loud blast on a trumpet, and the enthusiastic crowds would cheer on their chosen favourite as they plunged through the sand to the finishing post: a waved flag.

Sand alone, though, was not enough to keep the punters happy, so the Games organisers started to add little extras, like hurdles and other complicated obstacles, making passage across the stadium just that much more tricky and entertaining. Over the years events evolved continually, and the modern day Olympics are – happily – a lot more inclusive and clothed competitors of both sexes still run the ‘steeplechase’, the precursor of the modern day obstacle course race.

This story is from the December 2016 edition of Maxim Middle East.

Start your 7-day Magzter GOLD free trial to access thousands of curated premium stories, and 9,000+ magazines and newspapers.

This story is from the December 2016 edition of Maxim Middle East.

Start your 7-day Magzter GOLD free trial to access thousands of curated premium stories, and 9,000+ magazines and newspapers.

MORE STORIES FROM MAXIM MIDDLE EASTView All
The Magic Factory
Maxim Middle East

The Magic Factory

Inside McLaren’s pristine, futuristic manufacturing complex in the English countryside, expect nothing less than super car perfection

time-read
6 mins  |
August 2016
Max Martini The Real Mccoy
Maxim Middle East

Max Martini The Real Mccoy

In addition to having one of the greatest names ever, actor Max Martini happens to have one of the greatest faces, handsome, strong, and the kind that can easily disappear into almost any role.

time-read
5 mins  |
August 2016
Maxim Middle East

Christiana Cinn

She loves old movies and admiring art.

time-read
2 mins  |
January 2017
Elementary My Dear Doctor Strange
Maxim Middle East

Elementary My Dear Doctor Strange

Armed with piercing blue eyes, sharp cheekbones and a uniquely rich baritone voice, Benedict Timothy Carlton Cumberbatch is the quintessential British thespian. After years of sharpening his acting skills in theatres around the world, the man known to many as the “Modern Day Sherlock” is now a household name and potentially one of the biggest film stars at the moment. And with his first appearance in the Marvel Universe as the mysterious Dr. Strange, the star is about to rise to even greater heights. Yet it all could have been very different had the Cumberbatch parents had their way.

time-read
6 mins  |
November 2016
Natalia Kapchuk
Maxim Middle East

Natalia Kapchuk

An up-and-coming artist, Russian-born Natalia tells us about her experiences in various careers – from catwalk modeling to acting.

time-read
2 mins  |
November 2016
Obstacle Course Racing: Mud, Guts and Fun.
Maxim Middle East

Obstacle Course Racing: Mud, Guts and Fun.

There is an old Hebrew proverb – originating from Ecclesiastes – that propounds that ‘there is nothing new under the sun’. This is certainly true of the modern phenomenon of Obstacle Course Racing, the challenging sport that is starting to pique imaginations and challenge individuals across the world.

time-read
8 mins  |
December 2016
Assassin's Creed: The Ezio Collection
Maxim Middle East

Assassin's Creed: The Ezio Collection

With Ubisoft’s decision to take the Assassin’s Creed series on a much needed break after a slew of disappointing games, 2016 will be the first year in a long time not to see the release of a new Creed game. However, with the Michael Fassbender live action movie coming out in December, Ubisoft decided to treat the fans to a remastered version of one of the most beloved games in the Assassin’s Creed series.

time-read
2 mins  |
December 2016
The Golden Boy Next Door
Maxim Middle East

The Golden Boy Next Door

From liking them apples to surviving Mars, Matt Damon is one of the biggest stars in Hollywood today, but his journey to stardom was not as easy as one would think.

time-read
5 mins  |
August 2016
Lights,Camera,Action - Julia Faye West
Maxim Middle East

Lights,Camera,Action - Julia Faye West

She has a passion for exotic cars, and produces comedy movies. Her trusty stead, Lord Aston, is her road dog and at 28 years old she has been to every state in the U.S.A.

time-read
3 mins  |
August 2016
Maxim Middle East

Natalie Donna

With her big piercing blue eyes and delicate features, this living doll captures a lot of attention.

time-read
4 mins  |
January 2017