An Obstacle Course Will Take Over Boston For One Day This Summer

Photo Courtesy of Peter Thomas

It has been referred to as one of the city’s ugliest buildings and constantly called a public eyesore for its small windows, prison-like presence, and vast, empty plaza made of brick. But starting this summer, an obstacle course organization is going to add a little adventure to Boston’s City Hall.

According to RAID Events LLC, owners of a series of obstacle races hosted throughout the country, Urban RAID Boston will be begin at Government Center, and weave through other parts of the city, including Faneuil Hall and Downtown Crossing.

On July 27, participants who take on the course will be subjected to climbing ladder ropes, jumping hurdles, and scaling custom-designed obstacles plotted along the more than three-mile trek through downtown. Runners will finish back at City Hall, where there will be refreshments and festivities.

“Together, we’ve come a long way in making Boston a healthier more active city,” Mayor Tom Menino said in a statement. “Events like Urban RAID Boston promote health and fitness in a fun, positive way and allow participants to experience our city in a whole new way. I’m excited for them to join us this summer on City Hall Plaza.”

According to the event’s organizers, the race route, which features a total of 10 obstacles, “showcases the best of Boston while having minimal impact on both traffic and pedestrians.”

“Catering to cross training athletes, fitness enthusiasts, and recreational runners, the RAID Series has focused on the racer experience and athletic performance, resulting in a groundswell of excitement in the racing community,” the company said in a statement about the event.

Registration is now open for all New England based events, including the Boston race, at raidevents.com. Proceeds from the event will go towards Camp Sunshine, which supports children with life-threatening illnesses.

It’s called Urban RAID, but we like to think of it as Menino’s Gauntlet, or a quicker way to get from Government Center to Downtown Crossing than taking the MBTA.