Spartan Race Spartanburg
What’s more poetic than Spartanburg hosting its first Spartan Race in early November?
Nothing.
But if you’re unfamiliar with the Spartan Race experience, understand that poetry has nothing to do with the Nov. 4-5 Carolina Beast and Sprint Weekend.
If you’re unsure what we’re talking about, you’re not alone. So we’ve pulled together some frequently asked questions for those who might be interested in participating – as competitor or spectator – in Spartanburg’s first Spartan Race.
Organizers say it’s “more than a race; it’s a way of life.”
What does that mean?
Spartan, which held its first race in Vermont in 2010 but has held more than 200 events in more than 30 countries since, is about conditioning your entire body, mind, and spirit for a race filled with running and obstacles. Participants must train their cardiovascular system, strength, and agility. It’s an individual race, but participants often bring their friends and make new ones during the event. Organizers say registering for a race forces you to take action and provides accountability.
How long are the races?
It varies. There are eight different race classifications: Sprint, Super, Beast, Trifecta, Stadium, Honor Series, Kids and Endurance. The Spartanburg race, to be just off Interstate 85 between USC Upstate and the Milliken Arboretum, will include a Sprint, Beast and Kids Race.
The Sprint is just 3 to 5 miles, plus 20-23 obstacles, where the winner crosses the finish line in just 40 minutes. The Beast, meanwhile, is 12 to 14 miles long with more than 30 obstacles. The winners will take more than 3 hours to complete. There are also half-mile (for kids 4-8) and 1-mile (for kids 9-13) races throughout the day Saturday and Sunday.
There are races on Saturday morning through Sunday afternoon, for competitors ranging from “elite” to “competitive” to everyone else.
Check out the event’s website for details and entry costs.
What kind of obstacles?
That’s a great question.
Obstacles can include a fire jump, climbing under barbed wire, wall climbing, mud crawling, the over-under-through (which is actually a series of obstacles in which runners must first climb over a wall, then under a wall, then through a square hole placed in a wall), spear throw, rope climb, heavy object carries, monkey bars, slippery wall, a zig-zag log jump, steep mud climbs, tractor pulls, underwater submerging below walls, tire flips, stump balances, and rope swings.
But remember, not all obstacles are about brute strength—but also proper technique. Failure to complete a challenge means 30 burpees.
How can I participate without running or escaping obstacles?
Organizers say Spartan volunteers are the backbone of every Spartan Race. Spartan volunteers work closely with staff to provide support in a variety of areas:
- Obstacle enforcement
- Building the course and festival area
- Registration
- Spartan merchandise sales
- Start and Finish Line operations
- Bag check for racers
- Kids race operations
Organizers also encourage participants to bring their friends and family along as fans. After all, what’s better than getting a muddy hug from someone who’s just finished the feat of a lifetime?
Learn more about Spartan, events, obstacles and volunteering at the organization’s website.
Official Press Release:
Spartan Brings More than 10,000 Participants to First Spartanburg Race Weekend to Battle Fire and Barbed Wire
