100M – SPRINT

The Sprint Course is 12 standardized obstacles evenly spaced along a 2-lane 100m linear (straight line) course. Watch the following videos to see a demonstration, race in slow motion, women’s world record run and men’s world record run. Categories are for men and women in all age groups. Each country can nominate up to three athlete in Youth, Junior, Masters, Para and Elite: 15 men, and 15 women. Minimum age to compete is 10 years old on race day.

3K – SHORT COURSE

The Short Course is a 3 km (+/-) cross country style race with 20 obstacles. The race format and obstacles are similar to OCREC 2022 watch the video. Categories are for men and women in all age groups. Minimum age to compete is 10 years old on race day. Minimum age to compete is 10 years old on race day.

14K – STANDARD COURSE

The Standard Course is a 14 km (+/-) cross country style race with up to 50 obstacles. The race format and obstacles are similar to the short course at the OCREC 2022, watch the video. Categories are for men and women in Elite, Para, Junior, Senior, and Masters to the oldest competitor. Minimum age to compete is 16 per the age definition below. FISO approval may be given for athletes born in 2007 who are 15 years old on race day (turn 16 on or before December 31, 2023) if parental consent and a request is provided.

6K NATIONAL TEAM RACE

The National Team Race is on the 6 km (+/-) Course for teams of three athletes. Athletes on a team must stay together and may assist each other through obstacles. Some obstacles require teammates to work together to overcome the obstacle.  The race format and obstacles are similar to the team race at the OCREC 2022, watch the video. Each National Federation can only nominate one team per category in Elite (at least one woman or at least one man), Women, Men, and Para (one woman, one man and at least one para athlete of either gender). Minimum age to compete is 10 years old on race day.

8K OPEN

The Open is an 8 km (+/-) cross country style “fun run” with approximately 20 obstacles selected from the short and standard courses. This event is for people to experience World Championship obstacles and requires no qualification or national federation affiliation. Complete the obstacles you want! The Open is not subject to international competition rules. Finisher medals and shirts are not included in the 8K Open. Participants are prohibited from wearing national team uniforms and country markings are prohibited on the course.

Youth

Athletes on a national team qualified by their national federation in the following age categories: 10/11, 12/13, 14/15

Junior

Athletes on a national team qualified by their national federation in the following age categories: 16/17, 18/19

Senior

Athletes on a national team qualified by their national federation in the following age groups: 20-24, 25-29, 30-34, 35-39

Masters

Athletes on a national team qualified by their national federation in the following age groups: 40-44, 45-49, 50-54, 55-59, 60-64, 65-69, etc. to the oldest athlete.

Elite

Elite athletes on a national team qualified by their national federation. Elite athletes must be the minimum age allowed for each event, for example minimum age for the 14K is 16 years old and minimum age for the 100m is 10 years old.

PARA

National Federations decide on the qualification criteria for their para-athletes and can opt for a qualification-based system or direct selection. Para Athletes race in Para categories, not age categories. Para athletes must follow these steps to register:

• Check here if the type of physical impairment of your Athletes qualifies them to apply for registration.
• Fill in the Medical Diagnostic Form for Athletes with Physical Impairment and email to [email protected]. The Medical Commission confirm the Para Class ( PO1-PO5) of the Athlete.
• Register here for a race(s)

Open (Journeyman)

Open (non-competitive) waves are provided for the 3K and 14K (no qualification required), however priority is given to athletes in Elite and age group categories. Athletes in the 3K and 14K must be members of their national federation and can join during registration.

Age Definition

Age group category for Youth athletes is the age of the athlete on race day. Age group category for Junior, Senior and Masters athletes is the age you are on December 31st, 2023 (the age you turn this year). An athlete who is 15 years old on race day but turns 16 on or before December 31, 2023 will race in the Youth 14/15 category. Under Belgian law, athletes who turn 16 in 2023 may compete in the Standard Distance race. Athletes who are 15 years old on race day and turn 16 in 2023 may be allowed to compete in the standard distance race provided they have parental and national federation consent.