Savage Race, Orlando

Savage Race is not so much a race as it is a protracted series of battles that push physical limits and confront fears. Over 100,000 people test their courage and teamwork annually, pushing themselves as far as they can go. The course pits runners, from elite athletes to weekend warriors, against 25 obstacles made of 65 tons of steel, drenched in 1.5 million gallons of water and 60,000 pounds of ice, that challenge every muscle group and require every ounce of racers' stamina. The obstacle that looms the highest is Colossus: an epic 43-foot obstacle with a 16-foot quarter-pipe ramp that leads into a free-fall water-slide. Though ropes hang from the ramp to aid in the climb, most people still require a helping hand from those who have already conquered the top—and Colossus has a completion rate of only 60%.

But that's nothing compared to Sawtooth. Only 20% of Savage Race participants make it across this blue array of monkey bars, positioned 10 feet above a pool of water. The tooth-shaped dip in the middle is what spells defeat for those who haven't mastered the art of the pull-up.

Sawtooth and Colossus stand beside the pits of ice water, tunnels of mud, and lengths of barbed wire that racers must also traverse in their quest for the finish line. Participants will also come face to face with Davy Jones Locker, a 15-foot high dive to a murky pool below. Medals of honor and cold beer are handed to participants as they cross the finish line and join the festivities taking place after the event. Victory stories and muddy hugs are passed amongst friends and strangers, along with promises to meet again at the next event.