Only the Toughest: 10 of the World’s Most Extreme Challenges

Think you’re tough and athletic? These most extreme challenges will have you second-guessing! Check out this roundup and see if you’re up for the challenge!

Your family is going on their annual vacation. Everyone is voting for beach trips and city getaways. Those kinds of vacations are nice but you want something with a little more bite to it.

You’re an athlete that’s looking for an adrenaline-pumping adventure. A calming weekend away has never been fun for you. Well, you’re in luck.

We have an entire list of the most extreme challenges that you can take on while everyone else in your group is relaxing in their hotel rooms. If you think you’re ready to go, check out this guide to learn more about these amazing adventures.

1. Valparaiso Cerro Abajo

If you fancy yourself a cyclist then you may have fun talking the Valparaiso Cerro Abajo in Chile. You’re going to want to grab a helmet because not many cyclists get out of this race in the same condition they entered.

You’ve got to make your way to the bottom of a course that’s full of challenging obstacles like stairs, buildings, and high jumps while you’re being stared at by an audience. Even the most seasoned riders find this course a challenge but if you think you’re ready to take it on, it’s highly encouraged.

2. Take a Swim from Nevis to St Kitts

Looking for a challenging way to cool off? Take the 4km swim from Nevis to St Kitts. Every year people tackle this adventure in the Caribbean.

If you’re a beginner who wants to take on the challenge with a friend, it’s a good idea for you to bring some kind of training fins with you. This will make life a little easier.

If you can make it all the way, you’ll see some seriously gorgeous views and you’ll get the chance to spend a little time on a Caribbean island after you get done. What’s not to love?

3. Tackle Mount Kilimanjaro

Mount Kilimanjaro is the highest mountain in all of Africa which puts it on the bucket list on many adventures. Taking this track will take you anywhere between a few days to a week so be sure you set aside plenty of time.

There are a variety of ways for you to take on this challenge. This Mount Kilimanjaro climbing guide can help you out with it.

4. The Spartan Race

The Spartan Race is an event that takes place in several different countries that’s full of a variety of obstacles.

Since the race is held in several different countries each one has different events for people of any skill level. There’s even a race for children. All you have to do is find your race and go for it.

5. Superhero Scramble

Have you ever wanted to feel like a superhero? This race will allow you to do that because you’ll put on a costume before you get started.

It takes place in about 20 different locations. The course is usually anywhere between 3-13 miles and contains around 30 obstacles that you can take on.

6. Marathon Des Sables

The Marathon Des Sables takes place right in the Sahara Desert. If you’re up for intense outdoor challenges that will test your endurance and mental strength, this is the one for you.

It’s 150 miles long and takes around 6 days to complete. Under the hot sun, you’ll make your way through sand dunes, saltpans, and evacuated towns. You may even run into a nasty sandstorm.

You’ll be sharing a tent with other participants so this grueling outdoor challenge will allow you to make a few lifelong friends as well.

7. Siberian Black Ice Race

Time to go from one extreme temperature to another! The Siberian Black Ice Race is one of the chilliest challenges to do outside.

You’ll cross over black ice during sub-zero weather. Most people traverse the ice by kite, ski, or bike. There are two different versions of this adventure.

You can go through the regular marathon or the ultra-marathon. Each one varies in length. Once you reach the finish line, you’ll be treated to a warm bus ride back to the beginning.

8. The Great Wall Marathon

You know that feeling when you’re late for work and rush down your apartment stairs two steps at a time. You get pretty flustered, right?

This is sort of what you’ll face when taking on The Great Wall Marathon. The difference is that you’ll be taking 5,000 steps. They’re also waist-high. Not your average apartment steps by far.

9. The Tour D’Afrique

The Tour D’Afrique is one of the longest athletic challenges in the world by far. You’ll bike for over 7000 miles. It takes literal months to complete.

If that wasn’t enough, you’ll be riding through desert temperatures. It’s tough but if you’re up for an adventure of a lifetime, it’s got you covered.

10. Run for Your Lives

This is the most laid back challenge on this list. It’s a 5k race that takes place in the US but with a twist. Actors dressed as zombies and other horror monsters will make an attempt to scare you out of your mind.

Now you may be thinking that you’re not scared of anything but the costumes are pretty lifelike. The goal of the game is to not let the zombies take all your health flags. If they manage to grab them all, you turn into a “zombie” yourself.

The Most Extreme Challenges Around the World

Are you tired of regular old vacations? Are you looking for an adrenaline-pumping adventure of a lifetime? Check out some of the most extreme challenges around the world to satisfy your itch.

You’re going to need gear to take on these challenges. Check out the gear & gifts section of our blog to find out what you’ll need.