What’s OCR World Championships?

The OCR World Championships (OCRWC), governed by World Obstacle (FISO) and aligned with UIPM, is the premier independent global obstacle course racing (OCR) championship. Since its inception in 2014, OCRWC has grown into a multi-course, multi-category festival – uniting elite athletes and amateur competitors from more than 140 national federations.

Expect races featuring a wide variety of terrains and obstacles:

• 100 m sprint - 11 technical obstacles on a straight stadium track.

• Short course - ~3 km with ~20 obstacles.

• Standard course - ~12 km with ~40 obstacles.

• Team relay races - 4×2 km cooperative laps.

• Open divisions - non-qualifying versions of short and standard courses, plus charity events.

OCRWC emphasizes equal experience - whether you're lining up beside top elites like Jon Albon or racing alongside first-timers, the obstacles and medal bands are the same.

📍 Venue & Host City

• Location: Slottsskogen Park, Gothenburg - a hilly, woodland venue with paved paths, lawns, and scenic backdrops.

• Start/Finish: Slottsskogsvallen Stadium, offering a prime spectator atmosphere.

• The course design blends natural challenges and man-made obstacles, promising a scenic yet grueling test of athleticism and grit.

  
  

🗓️ Schedule at a Glance

Thursday (Sept 11)

• Morning: Elite Short Course + 100 m qualifiers

• Evening: Opening Ceremony

Friday (Sept 12)

• Short Course heats (Age Groups, Adaptive, Open)

• Concluding 100 m qualifiers

Saturday (Sept 13)

• Standard Course heats (Elite, Age Group, Adaptive, Open)

• 100 m finals

Sunday (Sept 14)

• Team Relays (national & open)

• Closing Ceremony & awards.

  
  

🏅 Competitor Categories

• Elite: top athletes selected by national federations based on rankings.

• Age Group & Masters/Veterans: bracketed by age according to December 31 cutoff- 10-year bands, extending up to legends (70+).

• Junior & Youth: categories beginning at ages 10+.

• Adaptive: integrated waves with disability-specific allowances; athletes register via their federation and must submit classification.

• Open: no qualification needed; join Short or Standard courses for fun or challenge.

• Team Relay: mix of competition and national teams, co-ed and adaptive, with cooperative final laps .

🧩 Obstacles & Format

• Expect 40+ unique obstacles on the Standard course and at least 20 on the Short course.

• The 100 m sprint tests technical speed across 11 obstacles in a head-to-head format .

• Completion is mandatory - no bypassing obstacles; penalties or disqualification follow failed attempts.

• The penalty/wristband system ensures fairness and safety across all categories.

🏆 Qualification & Registration

• Elite and Age Group competitors must qualify via national federations, typically by ranking or event results.

• Open divisions are available to all, no qualification required; registration is online, with codes issued by federations for competitive categories .

• Team Relay: National federations can enter national teams; open teams can nominate through online registration.

• Transfers and name changes allowed per rules—fee applies, with deadlines in August.

• Mandatory anti-doping measures are strictly enforced—WADA-standards are adhered to.

🌟 Why It Matters

• OCRWC stands out as the only true independent OCR global championship, separate from franchise brands like Spartan or Tough Mudder.

• Combines elite-level competition, broad community involvement, open races, team relays, and charity events—making it a festival-like celebration of OCR.

• Provides a rare opportunity for amateurs to tackle the same course and earn the same medals as elite athletes.

• With venues across major OCR hubs—including Canada, USA, and now Sweden—this 2025 edition is set to be among the most globally representative yet.

🤝 Spectator & Athlete Experience

• Entry-level participants receive full finisher privileges: medals, “hoo-rag,” bib, food, and festival access—just like pros .

• Expect a weekend brimming with music, merchandise, athlete meetups, and a finish-line party.

• A meaningful addition: 5 K Charity Open on Sunday, supporting community and nonprofit causes.

• The event draws thousands of global spectators, with teammates and families soaking in the energy of elite competition and inclusivity.

  
  

✨ Final Thoughts

The 2025 OCR World Championships in Gothenburg marks a global fusion of elite athleticism and grassroots OCR spirit. Whether you're gunning for Elite glory, aiming for a personal best as an Age Group athlete, or simply chasing the thrill in the Open division, this event offers world-class racing, scenic Swedish venues, and a vibrant race weekend atmosphere.

What to do next:

• Elite hopeful? Consult your national federation for qualification criteria.

• Age Grouper or Adaptive? Register via the event site with your federation’s code.

• Just want to race for fun? Sign up for the Open divisions or join the 5 K Charity event.

• Spectator? Explore travel, lodging (nice options through Gothenburg’s tourism board), and mark your calendar for mid-September vibes.