The Phenomenon of the "Adult Playground"

There is no denying the popularity of mud obstacle courses, but what is causing this new phenomenon? What is inspiring people to cut loose, get dirty and run wild through these challenging adult playgrounds? We’re here to tell you why people ages 2 to 72 can’t help but sign up for these chaotic, rambunctious, über-fantastic mud runs.  Here are the three best reasons why people love to get down and dirty with Ruckus:

Primal Instinct

Climbing, crawling, racing—it’s all a part of our animalistic nature. The instinct to compete and survive is embedded deep inside our DNA. These muddy obstacle courses give us a chance to get in touch with this primal side.

Ruckus puts everybody on an equal playing field. No longer are you a CEO or a student.  You’re an athlete participating in what can only be described as an adventure. These adult playgrounds give you the opportunity to get primal, run wild and be a muddy mess. You’ll be happier than a pig in the mud. Pun intended.

Pure Nostalgia

As children, it’s a normal occurrence to come inside covered in mud after a day of hardcore play.  As an adult, however, you don’t have as many excuses to play in the mud (apart from a mud mask perhaps).  In our opinion, that’s a cryin’ shame. But mud obstacle courses give you the chance to experience your childhood all over again.  Climb across the monkey bars, jump over the “hot lava”, run across the playground, repeat. Sound familiar?

As adults, we need to maintain that imaginative, child-like mindset that we seem to be so fond of.  Ruckus allows us to play. It appeals to the inner-child in each and every one of us. So go ahead— experience the feeling of dried mud on your skin and the excitement of running with reckless abandon. Ruckus is recess from your everyday adult life...and who doesn’t love recess?

Positively Unique

We all strive to be healthy and fit, but let’s face it; running can turn into quite a snoozefest after awhile. Adult playgrounds (like Ruckus) add excitement and fun to the normal marathon routine. Ruckus is the edgy and unique cousin of the marathon (the one you want to hang out with at family reunions). While mud obstacle courses are challenging, even to the fittest people, they’re still undeniably entertaining.

When was the last time you were smiling as you were running? After viewing many of the pictures from Ruckus, it’s obvious that the people who are running it can’t help but enjoy it.  What’s more; Ruckus lets you run with the entire family. With a Ruckus course for every member of the family, anybody can participate in an event.  Even the kids are sure to remember Ruckus for the rest of their lives.

Now it’s our turn to ask you.  Why do you run in mud obstacle courses?  Why do you cause a Ruckus?  

Are You Team Ruckus Or Are You Ridin' Solo?

Although Jason DeRulo may disagree, here at Ruckus, we believe that there are better things than ridin’ solo.  That’s why we have established Ruckus teams for you to participate in during your next Ruckus run!  What do we mean by teams exactly?  Ruckus teams allow you to register with a group of friends and family—big or small.  Although Ruckus teams are timed individually, teammates tend to add a strong support system throughout the obstacle courses.  After all, what better way to experience some added camaraderie than climbing a 14-foot cargo net with your loved ones? 

But are Ruckus teams for you?  Although a large majority of our participants do run in teams with family and friends, we also have those individuals who prefer to run solo.  But why?  And which one is for you?

Join a Ruckus team if...

• You enjoy (or have excelled in) team sports like basketball, baseball, soccer, football, volleyball or the like. 
• You prefer working out or going to the gym with a buddy.
• You perform better when you’re surrounded by other people.  
• You tend to be competitive with others.
• You naturally are more motivated by the people by your side. 
• You enjoy playing a leadership role and performing team-building skills.
• You’re interpersonal. 
• You have friends or family members that want to run Ruckus with you. 
• You are registering early!  Wave times often sell out fast and you must get in the same wave time as your teammates!

Run Ruckus solo if...

• You enjoy (or have excelled in) individual sports like swimming, golf, gymnastics, running, singles tennis or the like. 
• You like working out alone and getting “in the zone”. 
• You perform better when you only have to rely on yourself.
• You tend to be competitive with yourself or the clock. 
• You are naturally more disciplined.  
• You enjoy self-motivation.
• You’re intrapersonal. 
• You have friends or family members that would prefer to cheer you on during Ruckus rather than running it.

And don’t forget: It’s not too late to register your team for Ruckus St. Louis!  And be sure to learn more about Ruckus teams on our FAQ page.  

Top 8 Reasons Your Family Should Participate in Ruckus

How many Saturday mornings has your family been doing the exact same thing? Let us guess: pancakes for breakfast, Saturday morning cartoons and then family chores to catch up from the busy week. Although routine is nice, sometimes it’s better to get out of the typical Saturday morning rut and do something new. Something adventurous. Something...that causes a ruckus.

So pack up those duffle bags, fill up the water bottles and lace up your shoelaces, families! It’s time to sign up for Ruckus—the #1 ranked obstacle course under 10K!

Ruckus is the perfect opportunity for a family to come together, get some exercise and bond on a physical and mental level. But there’s more to Ruckus than just muddy family bonding. In fact, there are 8 killer reasons why your family should participate in Ruckus this year:

1. Ruckus gets your family out of the usual routine

A lot of families find themselves stuck in a rut after doing the same thing weekend after weekend. Family walks, touch football and movie night can only be exciting for so long. Ruckus allows a family to try something new and exciting. It allows every member of the family to challenge themselves, all while bonding with the ones they love most.

2. Ruckus brings your family together

When running in Ruckus, families can run as teams which can help foster camaraderie and strengthen teamwork. Ruckus believes that the family that plays together, stays together. This fun and muddy obstacle course for every age allows families to spend time together and make inseparable bonds.

3. Ruckus makes family exercise more enjoyable

One of the main ingredients to overall happiness and satisfaction is exercise. When families work out together, whether it’s a quick game of tennis, a trip to the swimming pool or a muddy obstacle course like Ruckus, exercise seems more fun and enjoyable.

4. Ruckus gives your family a competitive edge

Want to get your family as competitive as the Williams sisters or even the Manning brothers? Ruckus will give your family that competitive edge it needs! Instill friendly competition in your kids’ heads early on with Ruckus and help them learn how to compete in a friendly and humble way.

5. Ruckus is for all ages

Unlike other national obstacle courses, Ruckus is for the young and the young-at-heart. The Ruckus obstacle course is always built for anyone age 2 to 92. The course offers many different levels including a 2-mile “Heater”, a 4-mile “Challenge”, an 8-mile “Champions Heat”and the Ruckus Mini (for ages 2-15). With so many options, no one has to sit and wait at the finish line—everybody can become a part of Ruckus!

6. Ruckus could start a family tradition

Want to start a new tradition in your family? Why not sign up for Ruckus every year and make it an yearly event? Ruckus is an annual event that occurs in multiple cities throughout the US, giving you and your family plenty of opportunity to compete.

7. Ruckus is an opportunity to toss those cellphones to the side

How many times have you seen kids texting around the dinner table? Or in the middle of church? Or during family movie time? It’s time to put the distractions away and spend quality time together—Ruckus lets you do that! Because Ruckus is a muddy, wet and dirty obstacle course, cell phones cannot be carried throughout the run. If you need an excuse to get the kids off ofthe iPhones, Ruckus may be the answer (at least for a few hours!).

8. Ruckus is a blast!

Fans have been raving about Ruckus since its first obstacle was built. With testimonials like, “It blew my expectations out of the water!”, “What an amazing event!” and “Ruckus delivered the best obstacles!”, how could a family possibly go wrong giving it a shot?

But don’t take our word for it—experience the Ruckus family obstacle course for yourself! Register your family today for Ruckus and see what it’s all about!