BLACK GOLD BRUTE OBSTACLE COURSE RACE 2026

The Black Gold Brute Obstacle Course Race returns to Drayton Valley on July 4th, 2026 for its fourth running. Held at the Drayton Valley Omniplex, the one-day festival-style event has grown each year into a local staple that mixes competitive heats with casual participation for families and friend groups.

Racers tackle a 4.33 km loop sprinkled with obstacles; Open Heats run throughout the day so participants can complete one, two or three loops. The Competitive Heat (ages 14+) kicks off at 9:00 a.m. and requires three timed laps with penalties for failed obstacles. Teams of five race together in a dedicated Team Heat starting at 11:00 a.m., while the event window runs roughly 9:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m.

What sets Black Gold Brute apart are its layered challenge options and playful twists. In addition to the standard 1–3 loop format, two extended levels push endurance and variety: the "Savage" (about 25.98 km / six loops) and the "Barbaric" (about 43.33 km / ten loops), both using a dice mechanic at obstacle stations to change what racers must attempt. Open Heat finishers receive a medal and swag after one loop, teams compete for race-entry prizes, and volunteers earn future race entry — all wrapped in a community atmosphere with vendors and a live DJ.

Registration runs through the race's registration channel and pricing is published by category: $30 for ages 5–12, $40 for ages 13–17, $50 for adults and most specialty categories; team entry is $200 for five members. Competitors should register early to secure their preferred heat and know their start times.

- **Choose your challenge:** pick 1–3 loops of a 4.33 km course or step up to the Savage (≈25.98 km) or Barbaric (≈43.33 km) endurance levels
- **On-course dice mechanic:** certain obstacle stations require racers to "roll the dice" to determine which obstacle they must complete, adding unpredictability to each lap
- **Team competition with prize:** five-person teams run together in a dedicated heat with a prize of free entry into the next year's team heat for the winning team
- **Finishers' reward and swag:** Open Heat participants receive a finishers' medal and free swag after completing at least one loop
- **Volunteer incentive:** volunteers are offered a complimentary race entry for the following year