Braveheart Battle vs Gladiator Race: distance, stations, price & difficulty compared (2026-27)

The Braveheart Battle is an old-school obstacle race held each March on the slopes around the Skiarena Silbersattel in Steinach, Thuringia. It is organised by Be Brave Go Hard GmbH, based in Steinach. The event moved from the Rhön to the Thuringian Forest in 2019.

The main challenge is the natural terrain: a hilly cross-country course with steep climbs in wintry conditions, plus added obstacles that need no complicated rulebook. The race starts with a mass start and the 'KillHill' sprint from the valley station to the middle station. Runners choose between the Rookie distance of about 10 km and the Original distance of about 20 km. The organiser requires participants to be able to swim, to wear trail shoes with good grip and gloves, and to be at least 16 years old, and sets a time limit of five hours. Awards go to the fastest women, men and teams. It suits fit trail runners and experienced obstacle racers.

Gladiator Race is a Czech obstacle course race series organised by Sportvisio, z.s., an events organisation based in Hradec Králové that also runs road and trail races. The series visits venues around the Czech Republic, including Prague, Pardubice, Terezín Fortress and Český ráj, and adds seasonal editions such as a Halloween race at Josefov Fortress and a winter 'Taxis' race in Pardubice.

Courses run through natural terrain with water, mud and built obstacles. Events such as the Halloween race offer a competitive RACE category, an OPEN category and a FUN option, with entries for individuals, mixed pairs and teams, plus children's races (Kids I, Kids II and Family). Some events have special formats, such as the Halloween race where costumes are encouraged. Series awards such as Triumphalis and Primus Palus recognise racers who complete multiple events. The series suits both first-time obstacle runners in the open categories and competitive athletes in the RACE waves.