The Trident Race Returns to Colt State Park on July 30

Thinking of a day in Colt State Park usually conjures up tranquil images of picnics, serene ocean views and kids at play. Runners and cycles cruise by at a peaceful clip. The smell of burgers and dogs on a grill ride along a soft breeze.

On July 30, though, Colt State Park is going to be a little more intense.

Returning for its second year, the Trident Race will turn to typically peaceful park into a four mile gauntlet of an obstacle course. Think wall and rope climbs, tire flips, water crossing, crawls and running with a bucket full of rocks. Last year nearly 1,000 people filled the park for the event to participate and cheer on the runners. This year co-founder Ethan Tucker is expecting the crowd to be even bigger.

“A lot of out of towners came down,” Ethan says, “The venue and backdrop is such an amazing asset. The course designed to showcase the whole park.”

Highlighting the beauty of Colt State Park was one of the goals, as was creating an entry point for newcomers into the world of obstacle course racing. Despite the intimidating list of obstacles, Ethan assures that Trident is the perfect race to start with.

“It's a great community race, a great segway into the sport,” he says. “Obstacle course racing changed my life. It makes you want to be a better person. It gives you a lot of things. It helps with confidence, life’s little fears… It inspires people. It challenges them and makes them want to lead a healthier lifestyle.”

Races will be held throughout the day, with the elite runners heading out first thing in the morning. Participants who are up to the challenge are welcome to run the course multiple times, and for beginners, tougher obstacles can be skipped entirely. And just in case you were wondering, no, this race won’t have you army crawling under barbed wire.

In addition to the race, live music and a clam boil will round out a high energy day at the park, one that Ethan hopes will draw out families as well as adrenaline-fueled adventure seekers.

“Once people try it for the first time it's an eye opening and lasting experience.”

The Trident Race
Saturday, July 30
Colt State Park