THOR Offers Adrenaline, Thrills and ... Mud

If you feel like your life needs more excitement, adrenaline, and mud, chances are you were one of the hundreds of runners who took part in Texoma’s Hellacious Obstacle Run (THOR) in Wichita Falls earlier in April.

Friends, families, coworkers, and individuals all gather annually for an approximately 5k obstacle course that loops through Lucy Park.

A deejay is there to keep up the energy, bounce houses are there for children to burn their own energy, food trucks keep everyone refreshed, medals are distributed to the finishers, and there’s even a rinse station for the mud you would most certainly have acquired along the way. (Definitely wear an old pair of shoes you don’t mind ruining).

Pre-registration is required, and you choose your heat. Every ten minutes, a fresh batch of runners sets out to tackle the obstacle course. Kids 4-12 have their own separate course, and 13 and up are welcome to participate in the adult course. Seniors are welcome as well.

Although there’s a competitive heat at 8:20 a.m., most of the runs are done at your own pace.

Many groups arrange for themed t-shirts or fun costumes. Tutus, showercaps, and superheroes are always a favorite. Some smart people brought waterproof phone pouches for their phones or other important items, but there was a bag corral if you didn’t have a friend or family member to take care of your stuff while you were running, and have towels for you at the end of the run.

Volunteers are present at every station, making sure everyone stays safe. Some obstacles can be bypassed if necessary, but others, such as the Wichita River crossing, can’t. But even the river crossing has two options: cross the rope bridge above or wade through the water below.

At some obstacles, the line backs up a little, but runners move smoothly through most. Most active adults can finish in 45-60 minutes, although congestion might add an extra 15-20 minutes, depending. Athletes can complete the course in 30-45. The fastest male runner in the timed heat this year clocked in at 24:20, one of five runners to break the 30 minute mark!

The THOR Run is a nonprofit. All proceeds go to support the Wichita Falls Police Officers Association, Wichita Falls Streams & Valleys, and the Leadership Wichita Falls program and other North Texas charitable organizations.