Highlander Assault Obstacle Race

Prepare for an epic test of grit and spirit at the Highlander Assault Obstacle Race, returning to Pingree Grove, IL, on Saturday, August 15, 2026. Renowned as an OCR Buddy People's Choice Award winner for the World's Best Small Obstacle Race Series, this event challenges participants across rugged terrain, featuring technical trails, forest, prairie grass, and inevitable mud. Choose your battle with distances including an exhilarating 5K, a formidable 15K, an endurance-testing 50K (unlimited laps), or the family-friendly 3K, ensuring a challenge for every level of warrior.

Embrace a unique Scottish Highlander theme, where classic obstacle course staples like monkey bars and atlas stone carries meet old-world twists such as archery and caber carries. The course boasts purpose-built, heavy, and technical obstacles, including signature rigs like "The Gauntlet" and the "Tilt-a-Kilt," designed to reward determination and teamwork over gimmicks. Typical race day conditions in mid-August bring comfortable highs around 83°F and lows around 61°F, with a 15% chance of precipitation to potentially add to the course's muddy challenges.

The Highlander Assault isn't just a race; it's a vibrant community experience. Finishers earn a custom medal and t-shirt, while top competitors in elite heats vie for prizes and bragging rights. The Highlander Village at 42W813 Reinking Rd. offers a lively atmosphere with DJ music, food vendors, and a clean-off station for post-race recovery. Runners consistently praise the challenging yet fun course and the supportive camaraderie that defines this unforgettable obstacle race.