Operation Obstacle

Operation Obstacle 2026

Operation Obstacle 2026 is a timed, two-mile obstacle course held at Richland Community College Fitness Center, College Park, in Decatur, IL. The event is presented in coordination with the U.S. Department of Veteran's Affairs Illiana Health Care Suicide Prevention Team and focuses on raising awareness of veteran suicide.

The course is mostly flat and includes approximately 20 to 25 obstacles. Course elements include carrying and pulling objects short distances, army net crawls, and climbing over, under, and through obstacles. There is a fire truck hose down at the finish area. All participants receive a finisher's challenge coin and a goodie bag. The event provides recognition and trophies for 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 available for those who wish to jog or walk and skip some or all obstacles. Registration is online only and requires an online waiver. Participants must be at least 18 years old. T-shirts are offered during registration for $20; the shirt order cutoff is 09/13/26.

Volunteers are accepted for event day and for course set-up on the two days before the event; volunteers complete a waiver and may receive a promotional shirt if registered before the shirt cutoff. Proceeds support Richland Community College's Student Veterans' Resource Center. Sponsorships of $100 or more receive an event sign; donations are tax-deductible. Visit the organization's website for the most recent information.