Obstacle course racing (OCR) is the fastest growing sport ever. It has been estimated that as many as five million people paid to be tortured by swimming in ice water, getting shocked with 10,000 volts and even voluntarily exposing themselves to tear gas. The documentary film Rise of the Sufferfests asks the question…WHY?

The film itself is entertaining on every level. Scott Keneally the journalist who produced the film interviews athletes, biohackers and media experts such as Tim Ferriss, AJ Jacobs, Laird Hamilton and Morgan Spurlock.

As someone who is currently packing up my vehicle to go off and run a 100 mile race in Utah this week I can relate to the primal arguments presented in this film. We want to be challenged and even touch death. Then we want to go home and update our Facebook profile photo with our victory.

Tip: Amazon is renting this movie in HD for $4.99.