GADSDEN — Can you handle it?
Thrill-seeking athletes who are not afraid of getting muddy, wet and pushed to the limit will take part in Gadsden’s Barbarian Challenge, a six-mile obstacle course run through scenic Noccalula Falls Park. More than 1,200 participants are already registered to participate in the ninth annual extreme competition set for June 18.
The Barbarian Challenge course is approximately six miles long and includes more than 20 natural and human-made obstacles and tough terrain.
The course takes participants into the Black Creek Gorge and up close and personal with Noccalula Falls and is considered one of the South’s most scenic obstacle course races.
This year’s event is a North America and World OCR Series qualifier, drawing top talent to the Barbarian battlefield.
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The Barbarian Challenge is for participants 12 years old and older. Those under the age of 15 must have a parent or guardian present to sign a consent waiver and run with them.
Youth participants who do not have an adult to run with them should send an email to queenbarbarian@
Race or “horde” times are 8 a.m., 8:30 a.m., and 9 a.m. for competitors. Non-competitor times are 9:30 a.m., 10 a.m., 10:30 a.m. and 11 a.m.
All finishers receive a Barbarian medal.
The overall female and male winners from the 8 a.m. horde will receive the coveted Barbarian Sword.
Age category winners will be selected from the fastest overall in the first three competitive hordes. Returning again this year are Athena and Clydesdale categories with awards for men who weigh more than 225 pounds and women who weigh more than 165 pounds. The awards ceremony will start at approximately noon.
The smallest barbarians can participate in the Kid’s Barbarian Challenge competition, sponsored by The Factory. The race is open to kids 5 to 12 years old and will feature 10 to 15 obstacles over a one-mile course. Finishers receive a medal, and early registrants will also receive a t-shirt and goody bag.
In addition to the race, there will be food vendors selling barbarian-inspired food. Shuttles will be available from nearby parking areas. The event is held rain or shine and admission and parking are free to spectators.
A packet pick-up party will be held June 17 from 5-8 p.m. at the Kiwanis Pavilion at Noccalula Falls Park. Barbarian Challenge and Kid’s Barbarian Challenge participants can pick up their race packets and visit with other competitors.
The Barbarian Challenge is organized and staged by the City of Gadsden’s Parks and Recreation Department and is presented by Greater Gadsden Area Tourism.
The Barbarian Challenge is held at Noccalula Falls Park in Gadsden.
Pets are not allowed.
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