The World's Greatest Adventure Challenges – 5 Darkest Adventures To Try
Are you afraid of the dark?
Get comfortable with the pitch black as our series about the world’s weirdest adventure challenges dives into the shadows. From midnight marathons to adventures in caves, we’ve even got some events that are done blindfolded.
Looking for your next big challenge, or just fascinated by what’s out there? Here are 5 of the world's darkest adventures that test human potential.
Missed our previous posts? Check out our hottest adventures and highest adventures for more inspo.
Our Pick Of The World's Darkest Adventures
-
The Polar Night Marathon - Norway
-
Strataca Underground Mine Run - USA
-
The Drop UK – various (UK)
-
The Dark Underground Mine Adventure Race - Canada
-
Dialogue in the Dark Challenge Events – various (global)
The Polar Night Marathon - Norway
What is it? The world's most northerly marathon, run in darkness during the Arctic polar period when the sun doesn't rise for months.
Where? Tromsø, Northern Norway.
What it involves: Running 26.2 miles in January when temperatures drop to -15°C and there's no daylight at all. You’ll have streetlights, headtorches, and maybe the Northern Lights if you’re lucky! There’s also a half marathon, 10k, and 5k event.
Highlights: The surreal experience of running a marathon in darkness with Arctic conditions for an added challenge. And of course, the Northern Lights if they make an appearance.
Risks: Extreme cold, icy surfaces, the psychological challenge of running in complete darkness.
Who should do it? Experienced marathon runners who are comfortable with cold weather running and have a strong mental game. Previous winter racing experience is recommended.
How to train: Build cold-weather endurance, practice with headtorch and reflective gear, and include plenty of night runs. Mental prep is crucial.
Smallville 5K at Strataca Underground Mine – USA
What is it? A 5K run 650 feet underground in a working salt mine.
Where? Kansas, USA.
What it involves: Racing through dimly lit underground mine tunnels with uneven surfaces, tight spaces, and weird acoustics.
Highlights: Running in a working mine environment, deep underground, hearing your footsteps echoing off tunnel walls.
Risks: Low visibility, uneven surfaces, air quality considerations, possible claustrophobia.
Who should do it? Runners comfortable with confined spaces and looking for an unusual racing experience. It’s only 5k but you need to be OK with enclosed environments.
How to train: Running on uneven terrain with a headtorch, work on balance and agility exercises.
The Drop UK – various locations (UK)
What is it? 10 or 15 mile mystery challenges done solo or in teams, blindfolded or wearing blackout goggles.
Where? Various locations including London, Liverpool, Manchester, and Birmingham.
What it involves: You can do The Drop solo or as part of a team. Participants are blindfolded, dropped at a location, and have to navigate physical challenges and obstacle courses with no map, GPS, route, compass, or outside help.
Highlights: Trust-building experience with teammates, completing physical challenges without using your vision, finding your way back to the start with no navigation.
Risks: Potential claustrophobia from tight spaces, the psychological challenge of moving without sight.
Who should do it? People looking for a unique team-building experience or personal challenge that's mental as well as physical.
How to train: Practice moving in safe environments with eyes closed, work on communication and listening skills, and build confidence with simple blindfolded activities.
The Dark Underground Mine Adventure Race – Canada
What is it? A 24-hour underground loop race in historic mine shaft.
Where? Bellevue, Alberta, Canada.
What it involves: A loop race in a 250m long mine shaft which is 4m wide. Run as many loops as you can in your 6, 12, or 24 hour time limit through an environment that's been dark for over a century.
Highlights: Exploring mining history and the unique atmosphere of an underground tunnel system.
Risks: Cold temperatures, the monotony of running a loop in the dark, the psychological challenge of being deep underground.
Who should do it? Adventure racers with strong mindset who are comfortable with underground environments.
How to train: Practice navigation with minimal lighting, build endurance and mental strength, work out some backup lighting systems just in case.
Dialogue in the Dark Challenge Events – Worldwide
What is it? Immersive challenge events where sighted participants navigate obstacles and complete tasks in complete darkness, guided by visually impaired instructors.
Where? London, New York, Hamburg, Singapore and other major cities.
What it involves: Physical and mental challenges without sight, learning to rely on touch, hearing, and teamwork.
Highlights: A perspective shift, developing heightened non-visual senses, and the achievement of doing complex tasks without sight.
Risks: Discomfort from sensory deprivation, the mental challenge of trusting your other senses.
Who should do it? People looking for a meaningful challenge that combines physical activity with personal growth.
How to train: Practice activities with eyes closed, work on listening skills and spatial awareness.
Should you try the world's darkest adventures?
If you're drawn to challenges that test more than just your fitness or strength, these dark adventures offer thoughtful experiences for your mind and soul. They’ll push psychological buttons and force you to explore a different way of moving.
Remember that prep for dark adventures goes beyond physical fitness – mental preparation and confidence-building is equally important. Practice moving confidently without vision in safe environments, whether that’s training outside in the dark or moving around at home whilst blindfolded.
Are you intrigued by the idea of extreme adventures? Stay tuned for the next instalment in our “world’s most” adventure series…
