Strong Viking vs Turf Games: distance, stations, price & difficulty compared (2026-27)

Strong Viking is an obstacle run series held in the Netherlands, Belgium and Germany, with Viking-themed courses featuring mud trenches, water and climbing obstacles such as the 14-metre Fjord Drop and Storm the Castle. The organisers present it as a challenge rather than a race, with a focus on helping fellow participants finish.

Distances range from a 4 km Family Run and a 4 km Beginning course for first-timers through the 7 km Lightning, 13 km Warrior and 19 km Beast to a 42 km course and the 60 km Ultra Viking. Event weekends listed for 2027 include Wijchen, Hofstade, Frankfurt and Ghent, with most offering several distances across two or three days. Strong Viking has won several obstakels.com awards, including best obstacle run of the Benelux. The shorter distances suit beginners and groups of friends, while the longer courses are aimed at experienced obstacle runners.

Turf Games is a team-based functional fitness competition that tests strength, speed, endurance and teamwork. It started in 2018 as a way to bring London's fitness community together. It was founded by Andrew Manteit and now holds events in cities including London, Dubai, Singapore and Brisbane.

There are several competition formats. Fitness Festivals are run for teams of six athletes, with music, food and entertainment around the competition floor. The City Tour is for teams of four, ranked on one global leaderboard, and Engine is Turf Games' hybrid fitness race. Teams pick a division that matches their level: Everyday is the entry point, with lighter weights and no high-skill movements, while Intermediate and Elite bring heavier loads and more skilled elements. This makes Turf Games suitable for gym groups and friends competing together as well as experienced competitors.