General Information
Location
Seven Oaks Recreation
1086 222nd Drive
Boone, Iowa 50036
Course
The Gladiator Course varies from event to event.
Gladiator Assault Challenge is the Midwest's premier test of endurance, speed, agility, strength, and mental stamina. Gladiator Assault Challenge obstacle courses are a series of physically challenging obstacles (some natural and some man-made) that individuals or teams must navigate. These courses will challenge you with running, climbing, jumping, crawling, balancing, and MUD with the aim of testing overall endurance.
Options at a Gladiator Assault Challenge?
- Full Gladiator Assault Challenge is a 5-7 mile race with 30+ physically challenging obstacles.
- Elite Full Gladiator Challenge (1st heat of Saturday only) is a 5-7 mile race with 30+ physically challenging obstacles. Engraved Gladiator Sword given for 1st, 2nd, and 3rd place in men's and women's divisions.
- 5K Charge is a condensed version of the Full Gladiator Assault Challenge consisting of a 3+ mile race with 20 to 30 physically challenging obstacles.
- Junior/Parent 5K Gladiator Challenge (last 3 heats of Saturday and last 6 heats of Sunday) is the same course as the 5K Charge but allows juniors ages 9 to 14 to run with a parent. A parent/adult must be registered for the same heat as the junior.
Check out previous event Obstacles and Previous Course Maps to find out what may be in store for you at the next GAC!
Heats
Saturday, May 17, 2025
- Full Gladiator Assault Challenge Elite heat is at 8:00 AM
- Full Gladiator Assault Challenge and 5K Charge heats start at 8:20 AM and have heats every 20 minutes until 1:00 PM (last heat)
- Junior/Parent 5K Gladiator Challenge heats are at 12:20 PM, 12:40 PM, and 1:00 pm for kids ages 9-14 with parents. A parent/adult must be registered for the same heat as the junior.
Sunday, May 18, 2025
- Full Gladiator Assault Challenge and 5k Charge heats start at 9:00 AM and have heats every 20 minutes until 12:00 PM (last heat)
- Junior/Parent 5K Gladiator Challenge heats are at 10:20 AM, 10:40 AM, 11:00 AM, 11:20 AM, 11:40 AM, and 12:00 pm for kids ages 9-14 with parents. A parent/adult must be registered for the same heat as the junior.
Timing/Results
The Gladiator Assault Challenge will be self-timed. We have seen over the past years that timing has not been a priority to the majority of our participants and therefore are going to focus those efforts on improving the course and obstacles. There will be a clock at the finish line so you can check your time as you finish.
Cancellations
You may cancel your registration up to 30 days before the event and request to receive a full refund. Within 30 days, you can transfer your registration to another participant or receive credit for the 2026 race. Within 7 days, no refunds or transfers. The transfer is only good for 1 year.
Transfers
Transfers and/or heat changes may be made by the registrant at the same website as the registration was made. No need to call us!
Can I Skip an Obstacle Because I Don't Feel Confident?
Yes, GAC asks that each participant makes their own personal risk assessment before each obstacle. GAC is all about having fun, testing your skills & limits, and camaraderie with fellow Gladiators. Each obstacle will test different mental and physical skills and there is no penalty for skipping an obstacle.
Check out previous event Obstacles to find out what may be in store for you at the next GAC!
Age Requirements
Anyone who is up for the challenge and is 15 and older on the day of the event is allowed to participate in the full Gladiator Assault Challenge or the 5K Charge (parental signature required for those under age 18). The last 3 heats of the day on Saturday and the last 6 heats of the day on Sunday will be a Junior/Parent Gladiator 5K Heat- available for anyone aged 9-14 to run with their parents.
Junior/Parent 5K Gladiator Challenge
GAC's Junior/Parent 5K Gladiator Challenge program allows the entire family to have a great day of adventure! Parents can run with their children who are between 9 and 14 years old. You run on the same course as the adults but have a few loops removed to shorten it to 5K. The same obstacles apply with a couple of exceptions. A parent must be registered for the same heat as the junior.
Military Discount
In appreciation of service, a special discount code will be given to all members of the United States Military, Sheriff/Police/Fire Departments, Active Duty Dependents, and Veterans. Please email info@gladiatorassault.com to receive your code. There are no retroactive discounts.
Multiple Heats
Interested in running the course multiple times? Contact us for a special code for a reduced rate for your 2nd and/or 3rd heat.
Spectators
All spectators are welcome! Spectator tickets will be available at the race site for $5 per spectator. Children 12 and under are free. Sorry, NO REFUNDS. Spectator tickets give you access to the pre/post parties with a DJ rockin' music and all areas of the course so you can watch your friends & family conquer the GAC! However, spectators must stay off the course and out of the way of athletes. Bring your camera - the photos will be amazing!
Waivers
Each participant is required to sign a participant waiver (part of registration). Each spectator is required to sign a waiver, available on-site. Spectators under the age of 18 must have a parent/guardian signature.
Lodging
Lodging can be found on the Boone County Iowa Accommodations page. No camping on site. Don Williams Lake and Ledges State Park are a short drive.
Parking
Free parking. Buses welcome!
Food and Beverage
There will be plenty of food and beverages sold throughout the day of the event. Sorry, no coolers allowed.
Merchandise
Gladiator Assault Challenge merchandise is available to purchase at the events. Show everyone how you became a Gladiator by sporting some serious Gladiator Swag! Our shirts, sweatshirts, caps, and stickers make great gifts for you, your family, or your friends! Not to mention they won't be covered in mud!
Party Central
Mud, sweat, and beer! Don't even think about leaving after your run. After conquering the GAC, stay and join us for the "Gladiator Party Central" featuring great beer, music, grilled food, loose chatter, and mud-covered bodies!
Photography
We encourage your friends and family to cheer you on and capture photos of you at the obstacles. (Spectators only $5). You are encouraged to share your photos/videos on social media #gladiatorassaultchallenge
Race Day Information
Weather
The race is held rain or shine - the more rain the more mud and the more fun it is! We will do everything possible to ensure all racers can get through the course safely - including delaying heat times, pausing the race, or postponing the race in the extremely rare case of extreme/unsafe weather. All weather decisions are made by GAC on-site staff. NO REFUNDS for inclement weather or if severe weather does not allow the event to be held.
The Rules
- You must understand and acknowledge that the Gladiator Assault Challenge is a grueling, difficult, and dangerous obstacle course and accept the risks associated therewith.
- You must comply with directions given by staff and medical professionals.
- You must be physically able to complete the course without harming yourself or others.
- There will be restrooms on-site, use them. Do not relieve yourself in any other location.
- You must understand that all water obstacles/pits vary in depth and you should not dive, jump or plunge into the water without first knowing the true depth.
What to Bring
Camera, towel and change of clothes, cash to buy merchandise, food, and beverages.
Packet Pickup
Packet Pickup will be available at the race site on race day ONLY. Once on-site, please proceed to the Registration Tents at least one hour prior to your start time to pick up your registration packet. A photo ID is required to pick up your race packet.
Be sure to allow enough time to check in (i.e. Parking, Packet Pickup, Bag Drop, Hike to Start, etc) before your start time. We recommend participants arrive AT LEAST ONE HOUR before their start time.
Bag Area
There is a bag drop area at the race site. It is a self-service area so do not store any valuables in your bags! Gladiator Assault Challenge, its affiliates, host sites, employees, and volunteers are not responsible for any lost or stolen items.
Course Clothing
Lightweight layers based on the outdoor temperature are recommended. Fast-drying and breathable fabrics are a must - you will be submerged in cold water several times! Some Gladiators wear gloves or tape to protect their hands. Avoid cotton which absorbs moisture and mud. Athletic shoes should fit snugly so you don't lose one in the deep mud partway through the course (duct tape around the shoes can help with this). Long pants and long sleeves that can get dirty (sweats work best). Bring WARM clothes to change into after the race, heated changing rooms are available.
Water Stations
During the event, there will be water stations set up approximately every 1.5 miles along the course (can be longer depending on the course). Water and fruit will be available after you cross the finish line. Plan ahead and bring a hydration system and/or energy supplements (bars/gels) if you think you will need them.
Showers / Changing Areas / Bathrooms
GAC will have cold showers, bathrooms, and heated changing rooms available at each event. They will be located near the finish chute. There's a good chance you will be very dirty!
