3 days ago
The Obstacle Course Racing world champs are coming to Limerick
In a massive boost for anybody who has ever arranged the deckchairs into a fiendish circuit on the lawn, Limerick is to host the 2026 Obstacle Course Racing World Championships, just two years before the sport makes its Olympics debut in Los Angeles 2028.
The Fédération Internationale de Sports d'Obstacles (FISO) has confirmed the event will take place at Limerick Racecourse from August 7-9, 2026.
More than 4,000 athletes from over 60 countries are expected to compete, with the University of Limerick serving as the official Athlete Village. Those numbers make it one of the largest international sporting events staged in the region, with organisers predicting a €2.8 million boost to the Mid-West economy.
The sport has long evolved beyond its humble origins out the back of every house in the world. And Obstacle Course Racing is now one of the fastest-growing sports in the world, blending speed, strength, and strategy over a range of natural and man-made obstacles — including walls, rigs, rope climbs, carries, and crawls.
Obstacle Course Racing is one of the fastest-growing sports globally and has now been elevated to Olympic status for Los Angeles 2028. Credit Shannon Region Conference and Sports Bureau.
The World Championships in Limerick will feature a range of formats, from short and explosive 100m and 400m sprints to 2–3km technical courses, a 15km endurance race, and high-energy team relays.
Sergej Dikun, President of OCRA Ireland, described the announcement as a landmark moment for Irish sport, 'Hosting the World Championships just two years before the sport's Olympic debut is a huge moment for Ireland. We're honoured to bring the global OCR community to Limerick — and to showcase the passion, people, and places that make the Mid-West Region so special.'
Michael Lynch, CEO of Limerick Racecourse, looks forward to the repurposing of his arena. 'We are delighted to be working with the event stakeholders towards delivery of this prestigious event. This is a proud moment for us. Limerick Racecourse offers a potentially spectacular setting for OCR, and we can't wait to see it transformed into a world championship arena.'
