Operation Obstacle

Operation Obstacle 2026 : The Race to End Veteran Suicide

Operation Obstacle 2026 is a timed obstacle course event held at Richland Community College Fitness Center, College Park, Decatur, IL on September 19, 2026. The event is presented in coordination with the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs Illiana Health Care Suicide Prevention Team and supports Richland Community College's Student Veterans Resource Center.

The course is approximately 2 miles, mostly flat, and includes about 20 to 25 obstacles. Obstacles include short carries and pulls, army net crawls, and climbing over, under, and through structures. The finish line includes a fire truck hose down. All participants receive a finisher's challenge coin and a goodie bag. Awards will recognize the top three male and top three female finishers.

Participants are grouped into competitive, semi-competitive, and non-competitive corrals; the non-competitive corral is intended for those who wish to walk or jog and who may skip some obstacles. Registration is available online only through Race Roster and participants must be at least 18 years old. T-shirts are available for purchase during registration for $20 with a shirt cutoff date of September 13, 2026. Gift registrations are available as codes that allow another person to register.

Volunteers may assist on the two days prior to the event and on race day; volunteers who register before the t-shirt cutoff date receive a shirt. An online waiver is required during registration. Sponsorships of $100 or more receive an on-site sign. Donations to participant or team fundraising are tax deductible. The event observes International Day of Peace. Visit the organization's website for the most recent information.