Obstacle course racing (OCR) has exploded in popularity over the last decade, with millions of participants tackling mud pits, rope climbs, monkey bars, and more. These extreme races push your physical limits while also challenging your mental game. Solving riddles and puzzles along the course requires strategic thinking on the fly.
Test your OCR knowledge by solving these 51 obstacle course racing riddles. Covering topics like training, techniques, obstacles, strategy, and gear, each riddle clues you into an aspect of this exciting sport. See if you can decipher the hints to reveal the correct answers.
Training Riddles
Riddle 1:
I’m essential for OCR, though I won’t bulk up your form.
I build endurance so you can weather the storm.
Athletes needing stamina all say I’m a must.
But push yourself too hard, and muscles turn to dust.
What am I?
Answer: Cardio training
Riddle 2:
Weights will augment the challenge you now face,
So hit the gym before you even start the race.
Lugs and pulls will tax your entire upper half,
So build your strength lest obstacles make you look daft.
What training should you do?
Answer: Strength training
Riddle 3:
Balance and finesse will serve you quite well,
When you’re ten feet up and crossing a swell.
Practice maintaining composure up high,
So when facing rigs, you needn’t rely
On grip strength alone to stay alive.
What training is this?
Answer: Agility training
Technique Riddles
Riddle 4:
Legs crossed tightly when you start the descent,
This technique prevents rope slippage – heaven sent!
Locking limbs reduces chances of shock,
Sliding too fast down a line means rope burn – no thanks!
What is this technique called?
Answer: Leg wrapping
Riddle 5:
When traversing inclined planes high off the ground,
Especially those slippery slopes that abound,
Digging hands in while keeping feet high
Lets you climb without sliding – though it may tickle your thigh!
What is this technique?
Answer: High footing
Riddle 6:
You must pass bars thick and rods thin,
Using hands alone to traverse within.
Palms up or palms down is oft debated,
This technique provides grip still when saturated.
What is it called?
Answer: Switch grip
Obstacles Riddles
Riddle 7:
Eight feet high, this giant peak
Would be easy if not so slippery and steep!
Racers bend poles when they grip tight
To climb this silo putting balance to the test.
What is this obstacle?
Answer: Warped Wall
Riddle 8:
Sometimes ’tis narrowed into just a beam,
Other times fattened like a whole tree trunk it seems.
Lateral motion is not recommended, my friend,
Unless you fancy taking a barnacle scrape that won’t mend!
What is this obstacle?
Answer: Balance Log
Riddle 9:
At first they seem a kindly valley entrance,
But beware! Soon you’ll repentance.
For when you descend this two-sided creek bed so mellow,
The earth disappears as you sink into the billow!
What lies below?
Answer: The Funky Monkey (monkey bars over water)
Strategy Riddles
Riddle 10:
When choosing how to confront each test,
Remember that slow and steady is often best.
It may win no points for flash or fame,
But it lets you play again in the next campaign.
What strategy does this reference?
Answer: Pace yourself / take it slow
Riddle 11:
When partnering up for an arduous affair,
You’ll double resources and halve despair.
Bonds bolstered betwixt battle buddies,
Will see both of you reaching that medal ceremony!
What strategy is this?
Answer: Work as a team / help each other
Riddle 12:
When Mother Nature drenches racers with her spout,
And trail traction becomes filled with doubt,
Remember that discretion trumps valor each time, my friend,
And obstacle avoidance keeps you safe til the end.
What strategy is hinted at here?
Answer: Skip / walk around unsafe obstacles
Gear Riddles
Riddle 13:
These sturdy shoes will see you through the miles,
With aggressive grip for traction on those slippery trails.
The perfect pair should fit like glove,
Securing your footing when push comes to shove!
What gear is this?
Answer: Trail running / OCR shoes
Riddle 14:
UV rays beam bright at altitude dontcha know,
Frying racers as through the course they go.
This sleeve lets body breathe while preventing skin rads,
So slip it on before the starting horn blasts!
What is it called?
Answer: Sun sleeves
Riddle 15:
When hands hit rigs still slick from past clamberers,
You’ll want these padded guards to save your phalangers.
Wrist wraps prevent strains when carrying hefty weights,
And make towing treasures through channels less irate!
What gear protects paws?
Answer: Gloves
Conclusion
How did you fare with these riddles? Obstacle course racing blends physical intensity with mental agility. As you train for your next OCR, keep these skills sharp by analyzing techniques, strategies, and gear. When race day arrives, you’ll conquer that course!
