The Great Hobbit Run, a whimsical event within the realm of Lord of the Rings Online, invites players to ponder a rather unconventional scenario: what if a group of inexperienced hobbits decided to sprint straight from the comfort of Bilbo Baggins’ home to the ominous Mount Doom? While this may seem like a reckless endeavor in the context of a world on the brink of evil domination, it has become a cherished tradition that brings joy to the long-standing MMO community.
Event Overview
Initiated by Twitch streamer BurkeBlack, the Great Hobbit Run is a lighthearted journey that challenges level one hobbits to traverse the perilous path to Mount Doom. Interestingly, while most participants adhere to the level one guideline, some players have been known to join with slightly higher levels, leading to playful banter among the group.
On July 8, 2025, after years of attempts, the hobbits finally achieved their goal. BurkeBlack estimated that between 150 and 200 players embarked on this epic trek, with only 40 to 50 completing the journey. The challenges along the way included time constraints, exhaustion, and, of course, the ever-present threat of death. Players who met their demise could utilize Mithril coins to rejoin the group, albeit at a cost.
Mount Doom: A Fiery Finale
The culmination of this adventure proved to be as chaotic as one might expect. Upon reaching Mount Doom, participants were met with a dark and confusing interior, sparking debates about the correct path forward. Amidst the confusion, one brave soul took the plunge into the lava, leading the group to declare themselves “Mount Doom adjacent.” A celebratory group photo was captured, with BurkeBlack offering words of encouragement:
“This is great. Three years in the running, here we are before Mount Doom. This is a nice juicy bit of lava. Just throw in the ring and there’s gonna be more than enough, and Sauron can kiss my butt!”
While the moment felt triumphant, it was later revealed that the mission had not been fully accomplished. A participant noted that there was indeed a way to proceed, but the details were forgotten, presenting a new challenge for the next year’s run.
Looking Ahead
BurkeBlack has confirmed plans to host the Great Hobbit Run again in 2026, with aspirations of attracting an even larger crowd. “It’s just fun,” he remarked. “Lord of the Rings Online is an old game, but it really faithfully captures the essence of Lord of the Rings. It was just a fun adventure. The community loved it.”
As the community gears up for another round, the spirit of camaraderie and adventure continues to thrive, ensuring that the Great Hobbit Run remains a beloved highlight in the gaming calendar.
