It’s likely that someone you know, a friend of a friend, or a family member has tried one of the fastest rising fitness crazes in the world: obstacle course racing (OCRs). As people of all ages and genders shell out their money to run, crawl, jump, climb and roll through various venues ranging from baseball stadiums to 9,000-foot high ski mountains, everyone else tries to figure out “Why?”

Well, there many reasons one might want to sign up for an OCR, especially a college student. Check out these five reasons to run an OCR that make the most sense for any 20-something-year-old.

A NEW FITNESS CHALLENGE

OK, so you already do CrossFit, running, bodybuilding, yoga, biking, spinning, swimming and pilates. But have you done a Spartan Race, Tough Mudder, Warrior Dash, Savage Race, or other OCR? Obstacles are what set OCR's aside from regular road races and some of these man-made apparatuses include 8-foot walls, a spear throw, carrying a bucket filled with rocks up a hill, climbing a 20-foot rope vertically, traversing a rock wall, and even crawling on your back through water underneath an enclosed fence as water rains down on you (Tough Mudder’s Rain Man). Spartan Race tends to be where seriously competitive athletes go, as the race is timed and there is prize money for elite heat winners.

If you’re someone who likes trying new things, especially fitness trends/classes, then add an OCR to your list and it won’t disappoint.

BUILD MENTAL GRIT

Doing an OCR will help you become a stronger person, not only physically, but mentally too. Depending on your running ability and fitness level, these courses might be the toughest thing you’ve ever done. For example, I’m not much of a runner so when I signed up for a 14+ Spartan Race Beast, I didn’t know what I was in for. By mile 10, I was limping because my knee gave out. I learned something that day: that I can do anything I put my mind towards even it seems impossible and even if it hurts. The great part about reaching a mental block on a course is that there are people there to push you harder, strangers wanting to see their fellow OCR participants succeed.

Setting a pace for yourself and knowing how to reach a second level when you’re tired are qualities that transcend a mountain. Those are character traits that pay off huge dividends in work life and in studying. Conquering an OCR is a great reference point for comparing to one seemingly hard struggle. If I could get through a 5-mile, or 8-mile, or 14-mile or even 30-mile OCR, then why can’t I [insert task here]?