Savage Race Survival Guide: Powering Up for the Ultimate Challenge
The Savage Race is an epic, adventure-filled obstacle course race with plenty of challenges and mud. Training for the Savage Race requires dedication, with hours of boot camp-style training and a focus on upper body strength. Or, you can slow down with a group of friends, cheer each other on for obstacles, and have fun.
Either way, you plan to tackle this obstacle course-style race, and you need to be prepared with the right gear. This guide lays out the top recommended supplies to bring to the Savage Race, whether you’re competing, helping out friends, or spectating on the sidelines.
Sunglasses and Visor
Savage Races are held all over the United States during different months. Regardless of the season, a good pair of sunglasses and a hat should be on your gear list. Pick them out ahead of time and practice training with them. For an obstacle course, you’ll want to ensure they are tight and secure on your head so you don’t lose them mid-course.
Power Bank
A portable power station is essential while spectating the Savage Race. With its convenient handle, everyone can conveniently charge their phones, tablets, and cameras while the race is going on or after the race. The EcoFlow RIVER 3 Plus is lightweight and extremely easy to pack. It offers 600W of electrical output, with AC, DC, and USC-C/A ports unavailable.
Change of Clothes and a Towel
The only things you can’t forget after the race are a change of clothes and a towel. During the obstacle course, you will get filthy from all the water, mud, dirt, and sweat. Rinse stations and bathrooms are available at Savage Race, and you should take full advantage of them. Bring a towel, soap, and an extra bag for the dirty clothes. Afterwards, enjoy hanging out with your friends and family, feeling fresh and clean.
GPS/Fitness Tracker
A fitness watch is great for training, especially when monitoring running pace and heart rate is important. Watches are also great for use during the race. For some watches, you can pull up the maps app and see where you are on the trail. Otherwise, they are handy for monitoring your health stats during the race and keeping up with the time.
Race Nutrition
The training you’ve put in won’t be as effective if you don’t eat well and hydrate before the race. Be sure to bring a light snack, protein, and carbohydrates before the race. Don’t try anything new; it’s better to stick to foods you’ve trained with. Be sure to drink plenty of water and electrolytes. You can carry a hydration pack during the run. Bring something for after the race as well.
Phone Charger
You won’t need or want to bring your phone on the obstacle course. With all the challenges, mud, and water, it’s likely to get lost or damaged. Instead, keep it in your car, a locker, or a trusted friend spectating. While racing, get it charged and ready for post-pictures with the EcoFlow RAPID Magnetic Power Bank (10,000mAh). It’s a small, lightweight portable power bank designed to recharge smartphones on the go conveniently.
Folding Chairs
This item is most relevant for spectators. Folding chairs are allowed and encouraged for those cheering on racers from the sidelines. The race doesn’t last too long, so it’s appropriate to stay for the whole thing. Bring a chair if you plan to hang out after the race. You can also bring a 10’ x 10’ foldable tent. However, per Savage Race rules, it should be free of company or team logos.
Swimming Goggles
Swimming at the Savage Race is not required. They offer a fitness-oriented obstacle that can be completed instead. But if you plan to complete the swimming obstacle, goggles can be helpful. Practice swimming with them to gain confidence before the race. Even if you can open your eyes underwater, racing water can get dirty, so they will reduce eye irritation for the rest of the course.
Solar Generator
For large groups spectating or participating, a solar generator is best for powering up before, during, and after the race. The EcoFlow RIVER 3 Max Plus + 220W Solar Panel is easy to set up and portable solar panels quickly recharge the portable power station to keep power going all day. This solar generator offers 600W output and up to 1200W in X-Boost mode. That’s enough power for electronics and small appliances like a portable fan.
Sturdy Bag and Cash
Pack a bag with your change of clothes, a towel, and post-race snacks. Lockers are available to rent to keep your valuables safe. Bring some form of payment, a credit or debit card, to pay for parking, food, drinks, bag check, and merch. You can securely lock it up for later instead of packing it on your body while racing.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is the Savage Race Harder Than Spartan?
It depends on what is harder for you. The Spartan run focuses on endurance over more demanding terrains. In comparison, the Savage Race obstacle focuses on more technical and heavy grip. There are creative challenges and no penalty burpees, meaning you can retry an obstacle multiple times within the cutoff time.
How Long Does It Take to Complete the Savage Race?
The full Savage Race is 5 - 7 miles with over 27 obstacles. It takes up to three hours to complete, which is about a 22-minute mile pace. The Blitz race is shorter, only 3-4 miles with 15-20 obstacles and only 2 hours to complete.
Final Thoughts
No matter what role you’ll play at the next Savage Race, racing or cheering, preparation makes the event more fun and enjoyable. Bring extra clothes, sunglasses, a hat, folding chairs, snacks, and money.
Most importantly, remember to bring a power solution. The EcoFlow RIVER 3 Plus keeps everyone’s devices charged the whole day, ready for post-race photo ops.