When most people think of obstacle courses, they think of team building exercises, ninja warrior or even the TV show Total Wipeout.

Outside of the glitz and glamour or the humour of the ‘big red balls’, obstacle course racing is a sport that is both vibrant and exciting.

Competitors from all across the globe compete in everything from rope climbing and memory tests to army-style bear crawls, although they may not be as bronzed and manicured as Zac Efron in Baywatch or feature the danger of the training scene in the film Jarhead.

Stuart Canning is one of Britain’s best competitors. Originally from Bridgend, Canning was a long-distance runner during school but took some time out as he was “never into 10k road running” before happening across an obstacle competition, taking part a year later.

“The common thread between everyone is they try it and then never stop,” says Canning.

“I’m 38 now and in the 35-39 age group, apparently that’s the most competitive. The age groups go right up to 60+ and there’s something for everyone.

“There are different obstacles, strength tests such as lifting stones and running 40 metres, carrying a heavy chain. There are also balance obstacles, climbing a 10-foot wall, as well as technical obstacles where you require really good grip strength.”

The sport is growing in popularity across the globe, but Canning still feels it has space to grow in Wales.

“Obstacle course racing (OCR) is getting bigger and bigger in the UK,” says Canning.

“I’d like to get more Welsh kids and racers involved as at the moment I always feel like the only Welsh person there.

“The sport is about to be thrust into the limelight as it will be included in the 2028 Olympics replacing dressage as one of the disciplines in the modern pentathlon.”

In November, Canning finished second at the British championships over the 3-kilometre distance, providing him with an opportunity to compete for GB at the European Championships in Italy.

“Italy was amazing. There was an opening ceremony, walking through the streets of Trentino,” says Canning.

“The plan was to qualify for an international tournament before turning 40 and I’ve achieved that now.”

This summer, Canning finished third at the British OCR Championships, in doing so he qualified for the next European Championships in Portugal along with this year’s World Championships in Costa Rica.

While Canning isn’t competing in Costa Rica because of “affordability,” he is aiming for the 2026 World Championships in Sweden.

With his background in running, Canning prefers courses which favour his style rather than those that emphasise the strength and lifting exercises.

His training regime is varied however, reflecting the range of obstacles he may face.

“I do a lot of trail running, uphill sprints, monkey bars, tyre flips and lots of callisthenics as I haven’t done weights in a year” says Canning.

“Anyone who does any kind of training can throw their hand to OCR and have strengths in certain areas. If you’re good at weights you’ll be strong at the carries, if you enjoy running then you’ll be better in those areas.

“I did the Bear Grylls survival run in 2013. That included obstacle courses, memory tests, all sorts. At one point you had to make a fire and shoot a gun as well as the rope climbs, hoists and carries.

“With most events there are different penalties in case you fall off an obstacle or are unable to complete it, that can range from a penalty loop to having bands around your wrist which act as ‘lives’ which you must cut after each error.

“It’s a gruelling sport, but I love it.”

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