The Gladiator Course varies from event to event.
Gladiator Assault Challenge is the Midwest's premier test of endurance, speed, agility, strength, and mental stamina. Gladiator Assault Challenge obstacle courses are a series of physically challenging obstacles (some natural and some man-made) that individuals or teams must navigate. These courses will challenge you with running, climbing, jumping, crawling, balancing, and MUD with the aim of testing overall endurance.
Check out previous event Obstacles and Previous Course Maps to find out what may be in store for you at the next GAC!
Saturday, May 18, 2024
Sunday, May 19, 2024
The Gladiator Assault Challenge will be self-timed. We have seen over the past years that timing has not been a priority to the majority of our participants and therefore are going to focus those efforts on improving the course and obstacles. There will be a clock at the finish line so you can check your time as you finish.
You may cancel your registration up to 30 days before the event and request to receive a full refund. Within 30 days, you can transfer your registration to another participant or receive credit for the 2024 race. Within 7 days, no refunds or transfers.
Transfers and/or heat changes may be made by the registrant at the same website as the registration was made. No need to call us!
Yes, GAC asks that each participant makes their own personal risk assessment before each obstacle. GAC is all about having fun, testing your skills & limits, and camaraderie with fellow Gladiators. Each obstacle will test different mental and physical skills and there is no penalty for skipping an obstacle.
Check out previous event Obstacles to find out what may be in store for you at the next GAC!
Anyone who is up for the challenge and is 15 and older on the day of the event is allowed to participate in the full Gladiator Assault Challenge or the 5K Charge (parental signature required for those under age 18). The last 3 heats of the day on both Saturday and Sunday will be a Junior/Parent Gladiator 5K Heat- available for anyone aged 9-14 to run with their parents.
GAC's Junior/Parent 5K Gladiator Challenge program allows the entire family to have a great day of adventure! Parents can run with their children who are between 9 and 14 years old. You run on the same course as the adults but have a few loops removed to shorten it to 5K. The same obstacles apply with a couple of exceptions. A parent must be registered for the same heat as the junior.
In appreciation of service, a special discount code will be given to all members of the United States Military, Sheriff/Police/Fire Departments, Active Duty Dependents, and Veterans. Please email info@gladiatorassault.com to receive your code. There are no retroactive discounts.
Interested in running the course multiple times? Contact us for a special code for a reduced rate for your 2nd and/or 3rd heat.
All spectators are welcome! Spectator tickets will be available at the race site for $5 per spectator. Children 12 and under are free. Sorry, NO REFUNDS. Spectator tickets give you access to the pre/post parties with a DJ rockin' music and all areas of the course so you can watch your friends & family conquer the GAC! However, spectators must stay off the course and out of the way of athletes. Bring your camera - the photos will be amazing!
Each participant is required to sign a participant waiver (part of registration). Each spectator is required to sign a waiver, available on-site. Spectators under the age of 18 must have a parent/guardian signature.
Lodging can be found on the Boone County Iowa Accommodations page. No camping on site. Don Williams Lake and Ledges State Park are a short drive.
Free parking. Buses welcome!
There will be plenty of food and beverages sold throughout the day of the event. Sorry, no coolers allowed.
Gladiator Assault Challenge merchandise is available to purchase at the events. Show everyone how you became a Gladiator by sporting some serious Gladiator Swag! Our shirts, sweatshirts, caps, and stickers make great gifts for you, your family, or your friends! Not to mention they won't be covered in mud!
Mud, sweat, and beer! Don't even think about leaving after your run. After conquering the GAC, stay and join us for the "Gladiator Party Central" featuring great beer, music, grilled food, loose chatter, and mud-covered bodies!
We encourage your friends and family to cheer you on and capture photos of you at the obstacles. (Spectators only $5). You are encouraged to share your photos/videos on social media #gladiatorassaultchallenge
The race is held rain or shine - the more rain the more mud and the more fun it is! We will do everything possible to ensure all racers can get through the course safely - including delaying heat times, pausing the race, or postponing the race in the extremely rare case of extreme/unsafe weather. All weather decisions are made by GAC on-site staff. NO REFUNDS for inclement weather or if severe weather does not allow the event to be held.
Camera, towel and change of clothes, cash to buy merchandise, food, and beverages.
Packet Pickup will be available at the race site on race day ONLY. Once on-site, please proceed to the Registration Tents at least one hour prior to your start time to pick up your registration packet. A photo ID is required to pick up your race packet.
Be sure to allow enough time to check in (i.e. Parking, Packet Pickup, Bag Drop, Hike to Start, etc) before your start time. We recommend participants arrive AT LEAST ONE HOUR before their start time.
There is a bag drop area at the race site. It is a self-service area so do not store any valuables in your bags! Gladiator Assault Challenge, its affiliates, host sites, employees, and volunteers are not responsible for any lost or stolen items.
Lightweight layers based on the outdoor temperature are recommended. Fast-drying and breathable fabrics are a must - you will be submerged in cold water several times! Some Gladiators wear gloves or tape to protect their hands. Avoid cotton which absorbs moisture and mud. Athletic shoes should fit snugly so you don't lose one in the deep mud partway through the course (duct tape around the shoes can help with this). Long pants and long sleeves that can get dirty (sweats work best). Bring WARM clothes to change into after the race, heated changing rooms are available.
During the event, there will be water stations set up approximately every 1.5 miles along the course (can be longer depending on the course). Water and fruit will be available after you cross the finish line. Plan ahead and bring a hydration system and/or energy supplements (bars/gels) if you think you will need them.
GAC will have cold showers, bathrooms, and heated changing rooms available at each event. They will be located near the finish chute. There's a good chance you will be very dirty!