Event Details

Presented by Clif Bar, the Kids Obstacle Challenge is planned for approximately 16 cities across the country this year, but Boston is the only New England host...maybe not surprising, given how crazy we are about the Boston Marathon and our America Ninja Warrior hometown heroes (all-stars like Jon Alexis and Jesse Labreck train here.) By April's end, more than 2,700 Facebookers had already checked themselves off as "interested" in the event. There's a competitive portion for 10 to 16 year olds and a non-competitive portion for 5 to 16 year olds.

Given its one-day-only format and the buzz surrounding it, we suggest you register in advance, though tickets to time slots that haven't sold out can be purchased at Kalon Farm on the morning or afternoon of May 19 for the non-competitive slots, only. There are a limited number of tickets per "wave," ranging in cost from $52 to $62 from April through May 18 (day-of prices for the fun run are $62 to $66). The competitive wave starts at 8:30, and the non-competitive waves start every 30 minutes between 9am and 2pm. Parents or caregivers run with kids for free.

Event coordinators suggest families bring $5 cash for parking, a water bottle, and a change of clothes for the car ride home.

What to Expect on the Course

There are 15-20 obstacles expected for the Boston event, all stretching over a 1.5- to 2-mile course. All of them are suitable—and surmountable—for kids ages 5 and up. These include a cargo net climb, a ball pit, a rope swing, a mud crawl (under ropes), and an A-frame wall to scramble over. For an extra $5 for each run, kids can go through the course again and again.

Note that mud and water feature prominently in a handful of the obstacles, so be sure to wear old clothes that you don't mind getting messy. Sneakers or closed-toe water shoes are a good idea.

Awards and Rewards

The pride in making it to the finish line will feel like reward enough for many participants, but I have yet to meet a kid who doesn't appreciate a little swag for his or her efforts. Those running in the competitive race at 8:30 will all receive a medal, and the top three finishers in each age group will win some cool awards courtesy of Razor (think skateboards and scooters).  All participants in the non-competitive waves receive a race medal, a photo of themselves participating, a drawstring bag, and a selection of Clif bars.

Sound like fun? We think it does, muddy laundry and all. Best of luck to all challengers!

Pictures above show previous Kids Obstacle Challenge events. Photos courtesy of Kids Obstacle Challenge