Operation Obstacle 2026

Operation Obstacle is a timed 2-mile obstacle course race at College Park in Decatur, Illinois, starting from the Richland Community College Fitness Center. The event takes place in September and is presented by Richland Community College. Adults can choose between competitive, semi-competitive, or non-competitive corrals. The non-competitive option allows participants to jog or walk and skip obstacles, meaning the day is not solely for racers aiming for a fast time. The course is mostly flat but includes approximately 20 to 25 obstacles, such as army net crawls, short carries and pulls, and sections where participants climb over, under, and through structures. A fire truck hose-down is at the finish line, and all finishers receive a challenge coin and a goodie bag. The race is coordinated with the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs Illiana Health Care Suicide Prevention Team, raises awareness of veteran suicide, and sends proceeds to Richland Community College's Student Veterans' Resource Center.