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Log Runner

American Ninja Warrior 7's Log Runner in San Pedro (Military)

The Log Runner is an obstacle, firstly introduced as the third obstacle on American Ninja Warrior 7 in San Pedro (Military).

The Log Runner is a combination of the Spinning Bridge and Spinning Log. It arguably had the toughest modification on American Ninja Warrior 8.

The obstacle consisted of four gradually ascending free-spinning logs which competitors must run across. Each log was 4 feet (1.22 meters) apart from each other.

The obstacle proved to be the most challenging obstacle in San Pedro, as several competitors either failed to land their feet at the very middle of the log and slipped off or got disqualified when they touched a log with their hands. It was responsible for taking out a handful of competitors, including Jeri D'Aurelio.

Other Season Appearances[]

American Ninja Warrior 8[]

ANW8 Log Runner

American Ninja Warrior 8's Log Runner in Oklahoma City

The Log Runner returned as the third obstacle on American Ninja Warrior 8 in Oklahoma City. This time, it received several modifications: 

  • There were five logs instead of four, each supported separately. The first three logs, as well as the fifth log, were raised by 6 inches (15 cm) each. The fourth log was at the same height as the third log.
  • Competitors were given a significantly longer runup compared to the previous season.
  • Competitors would not be disqualified for touching a log with their hands. Since the fourth log was at the same height as the third log, competitors were allowed to use their hands to prevent themselves from falling. Otherwise, the obstacle would have been too brutal.

Although competitors could use their hands while attempting the obstacle, the Log Runner was incredibly brutal during the Oklahoma City qualifiers. It eliminated many top competitors, including Lance Pekus, Kevin Klein, Elliott Jolivette, Kacy Catanzaro, Rose Wetzel, and Barclay Stockett in her rookie season. In addition, no female competitor could complete the obstacle. The obstacle was revealed to have taken out 36 competitors during Oklahoma City qualifiers. 

The Log Runner was just as deadly during Oklahoma City finals, as eight more competitors (Brian Burkhardt, Geoff Lancaster, Andrew Potter, Brian Doom, Brian Beckstrand, Diron Jones, Cass Clawson, and Alexander Moran) fell here, once again usually around the fourth log. 

AT3 Log Runner

Artis Thompson III attempting the Log Runner in American Ninja Warrior 8's Oklahoma City qualifiers

A unique completion on the obstacle occurred during Oklahoma City qualifiers when Artis Thompson III attempted it with his prosthetic leg. His feet slipped at the second log, but he was able to save himself by grabbing the third log with his hands. Then, he slowly crawled across the obstacle, log by log, and finally fell on the landing platform. Though he ultimately gassed out at the end of the next obstacle, the Tire Swing, his performance was awarded the "POM Run of the Night". This was the first occurrence when the "POM Run of the Night" was not awarded from a completion on a course.

American Ninja Warrior 13[]

Log Runner ANW13

American Ninja Warrior 13's Log Runner in the fourth qualifiers episode

On American Ninja Warrior 13, the Log Runner appeared as the third obstacle during the fourth episode of the qualifiers. This time, the obstacle featured five logs, and each was placed higher than the previous one. It was paired with the Block Run as part of the Split Decision. Also, competitors must be upright on the landing platform in order for them to complete the obstacle. Although competitors would not be instantly disqualified for touching the logs, competitors could not crawl through the logs after stumbling, or else they would be disqualified.

In the fourth qualifiers episode, a total of five competitors failed on the obstacle, including Verdale Benson, who was disqualified for not remaining upright on the landing platform. In addition, almost every competitor who at least reached the Split Decision chose to attempt this obstacle. Ethan Swanson and Allyssa Beird were the only two competitors who did not attempt this obstacle, as they attempted the Block Run.

ANW13LogRunnerQFEP5

American Ninja Warrior 13's Log Runner in the fifth Qualifiers episode

The Log Runner reappeared in the same position during the fifth episode of the qualifiers, but the number of logs was reduced to four, similar to its original version. The obstacle was most likely modified to make it harder and increase the attempts on Block Run.

Six competitors failed the obstacle this time, including Levi Enright. Additionally, Leif Sundberg had a very hard escape when he attempted the obstacle, as he tripped on the third log. However, he was able to wrap his arms around the final log. He spent over a minute trying to save himself, but he was finally able to rest his legs on the third log while facing upwards, turn himself around 180 degrees, and push off on the third and final logs, ultimately falling onto the landing platform.

American Ninja Warrior 14[]

ANW14 - QE EP 3 - Log Runner

American Ninja Warrior 14's Log Runner

On American Ninja Warrior 14, the Log Runner appeared as the third obstacle during the third and fourth episodes of the qualifiers, with the same configuration from the version appeared at last season's fifth episode of qualifying. This time, it was paired with the Burn Rubber and Despicaballs respectively as part of the Split Decision.

In the third qualifier episode, similar to what happened during American Ninja Warrior 8's Oklahoma City qualifiers, this obstacle was proven to be very difficult, as it took out in total 10 competitors, including Justin Miniard, Gabe Baker, and Taylor Johnson. In addition, there were three notable completions on the obstacle that night:

  • Levi Enright, who failed this obstacle on the previous season, chose to attempt it again and successfully cleared it.
  • Leif Sundberg chose the obstacle again and completed it. Unlike his notable struggle with the obstacle last season, he completed the obstacle without any problem.
  • Drew Nester made a wonderful save on this obstacle when he pulled himself up from touching the water, similar to Sundberg's remarkable save on the obstacle the previous season.

Six competitors failed in the fourth qualifier episode: Michael Snell, Sam Sann, Erick Zamorano, Ben Wilson, Gary Weiland, and once again, Elliott Jolivette.

American Ninja Warrior 15[]

Log Runner (ANW15)

American Ninja Warrior 15's Log Runner

On American Ninja Warrior 15, the Log Runner appeared as the third obstacle during the second, third, sixth and seventh qualifier episode, with the same configuration from the past two seasons. Here, it was an individual obstacle for the first time since American Ninja Warrior 8.

It continued to be destructive, taking out several competitors in the second, sixth, and seventh qualifier episodes. Additionally, two competitors eliminated here failed it on the previous season (Sam Sann and Erick Zamorano). Other notable eliminations included Chris Adkins, Nolan Ward, Rick Shinn, James Thorwart, and most shockingly, Sandy Zimmerman.

An injury on the obstacle occurred during Hunter Ogden's run. He slipped on the third log, and hit his leg hard on the fourth, resulting in a fractured ankle. Although he managed to save himself in a similar fashion to Leif Sundberg's remarkable save two years ago, and continued his run until he failed the fifth obstacle, he was ultimately unable to compete afterwards.

Other Appearances[]

Ninja Warrior UK[]

NWUK3 Log Runner

Ninja Warrior UK 3's Log Runner

The Log Runner appeared as the third obstacle in Heat 2 and Heat 5 on Ninja Warrior UK 3, which was very similar to the Log Runner from American Ninja Warrior 8, except the logs were not raised, making them have the same height. Also, competitors were allowed to use their hands while attempting the obstacle.

NWUK4 Log Runner

Ninja Warrior UK 4's Log Runner

Then, the obstacle appeared as the third obstacle during the finals' Stage 1 on Ninja Warrior UK 4. This time, the first four logs were on the same height, while the fifth log was raised.

NWUK5 Log Runner

Ninja Warrior UK 5's Log Runner

On Ninja Warrior UK 5, the Log Runner appeared once again as the third obstacle during the finals' Stage 1. This time, the first three logs and the fifth log remained the same as on the previous season, with the fourth log being raised (making it higher than the first three logs, but lower than the fifth log).

Ninja Israel[]

NWI3 Log Runner

Ninja Israel 3's Log Runner

On Ninja Warrior Israel 3, the Log Runner, locally called מעבר החצייה (literally The Crossing) appeared as the fourth obstacle during the Semifinals. The obstacle was made similar to the one used on Ninja Warrior UK 4, except the raise was not too large. Competitors were also allowed to use their hands while attempting the obstacle.

Ninja Warrior Germany[]

Nwgr2 log runner

Ninja Warrior Germany 2's Log Runner

Log Runner appeared as the third obstacle of Preliminary Round 4. There were five logs arranged in a straight line, but with a wider gap between the third and fourth than the rest.

Logrunner nwgr3

Ninja Warrior Germany 3's Log Runner

It returned as the third obstacle of the fifth Preliminary Round of Ninja Warrior Germany 3. The five logs were arranged in a pattern identical to that in American Ninja Warrior 8, but with what appears to be a less dramatic height difference between logs. Competitors were not allowed to use their hands on this obstacle.

Ninja Warrior Austria[]

Nwat1 log runner

Ninja Warrior Austria 1's Log Runner

On Ninja Warrior Austria 1, Log Runner was the third obstacle of Heat 3. It featured five evenly-spaced logs, all at the same level, akin to the one used on Ninja Warrior UK 3, but they appeared to be more tightly packed.

Australian Ninja Warrior[]

Aunw5 log runner title

Australian Ninja Warrior 5's Log Runner

Aunw5 log runner

Katie Sparrow was about to attempt the Log Runner in Australian Ninja Warrior 5

On Australian Ninja Warrior 5, the Log Runner appeared as the first obstacle during the semifinals, which was very similar to the one used in Ninja Warrior Israel 3.

Ninja Warrior Poland[]

NWP7 Log Runner

Ninja Warrior Poland 7's Log Runner

On Ninja Warrior Poland 7, the Log Runner, locally called Szalony Bieg (literally Crazy Run) appeared as the third obstacle during the Heats 1, 3, 4 and 5. The obstacle consisted of five logs and compared to the American Ninja Warrior, the first three logs were set higher than any previous ones, while from the fourth to fifth logs the height decreased, making the obstacle similar to the Rolling Hill from SASUKE.

Trivia[]

  • The Log Runner bared resemblance to the High Rollers game from TBS game show Takeshi's Castle (also know in the United States as MXC). However, the logs used in Log Runner were much thinner than the cylinders used in High Rollers.
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