Operation Obstacle

Operation Obstacle 2026

Operation Obstacle 2026 is the sixth annual event presented by Richland Community College in coordination with the U.S. Department of Veteran's Affairs Illiana Health Care Suicide Prevention Team. It is held at the Richland Community College Fitness Center, College Park, Decatur, Illinois, on September 19, 2026.

The event is a timed 2 mile obstacle course race on a mostly flat course with approximately 20 to 25 obstacles. Obstacles include carrying and pulling objects short distances, army net crawls, and climbing over, under, and through structures. A fire truck hose down is scheduled at the finish area. All participants receive a finishers' challenge coin and a goodie bag. Proceeds support Richland Community College's Student Veterans' Resource Center.

Participants are grouped into competitive, semi-competitive, and non-competitive corrals. The non-competitive corral is intended for those who prefer to jog or walk the course and skip some or all obstacles. Registration is online only through Race Roster and will close on race day. Participants must be at least 18 years of age. T-shirts are available for purchase during registration for $20, with a shirt cutoff date of September 13, 2026. Gift registrations and volunteer opportunities are offered; volunteers may help on course set-up days and on race day. An online waiver is required during registration.

The race check-in, start, and finish take place in the Richland Fitness Center parking lot at the north entrance of the Workforce Development Institute. Ample parking is available near the start; event organizers request that participants avoid parking in the Fitness Center parking lot itself. Awards and trophies will be presented for the top three male and female finishers. Operation Obstacle observes International Day of Peace on September 21. Visit the organization's website for the most recent information.