Words + Photos By: Nico de Corato
The most famous obstacle race finally came to Dubai! The Spartan Race brought an unforgettable adventure, one that pushes competitors of all backgrounds and skill levels to their limits. The obstacles and over three miles sprint course were designed to challenge the fittest athletes to their limits.
Spartan Race was founded in 2010 by Joe De Sena, Selicia Sevigny, Richard Lee, Brian Duncanson, Mike Morris, Andy Weinberg, Shaun Bain and Noel Hanna. The first Spartan Race event was held in 2010 at the Catamount Outdoor Center in Williston, Vermont; nowadays it’s franchised to 14 countries including Canada, many European countries, South Korea, Australia and now UAE.
Start of the first wave
As with any fitness endeavour, one must be properly ready to compete and run a certain distance; in particular, this race requires stamina to wade through the mud, water and signature obstacles that characterise the Spartan Race.
The event challenged my cardiovascular fitness and endurance level on a course designed to test the full spectrum of terrains, with natural and man-made obstacles. I tackled physical and mental challenges along the way, while running, jumping, crawling, climbing and plunging through mud. Participants had to complete the obstacles or perform burpee penalty exercises (just one penalty for me). Organisation did not provide the course map or list of obstacles until race day making it more and more intense, but also fun. The Spartan Race brought excitement to spectators and athletes alike.
I prepared for my first Spartan Race joining the free Spartan Workout every Friday at the SkydiveDubai; learning exercises to help me over the toughest of obstacles and getting a Spartan mindset. Unlike any other competitive race, it’s not just a race but a way of living. You need to be ready to train your mind as well as your body; to make your personal health and well-being a top priority. Train as if your life depended on it. If you can “exercise” while watching TV, talking on your mobile, sharing pictures with your smartphone, you’re doing it wrong. You’re like the potter who calls himself a soldier. You need to think, train, prepare like a Spartan.
Having a group at work exercising with me every Friday helped me a lot. If you say you are going to work out at a certain time on a certain day, I was there – no excuses, no email to send, no traffic jam to stop me.
Spartan Races are open to any person; anyone can do it, and everyone should try it. Obstacle races such as these are among the hottest trends in fitness right now. Those that do not want to partake in the event as individual runners can choose to create a team with a minimum of four people to join in on the excitement. With course lengths of 3+ miles (Sprint), 8+ miles, (Super) and 12+ miles (Beast), the race accommodates different fitness levels and training experience. Spartan Race also has a military series in which obstacles are designed by the United States military. ESPN describes the Spartan Race as “a true test of will”.
Spartans never quit (even with a broken arm)
“Spartans” obtain a Trifecta medal after completing a Spartan Sprint, Spartan Super and a Spartan Beast in one calendar year. A participant can earn multiple Trifectas i.e. Double Trifecta, Triple Trifecta etc in a given year by completing another set of events.
Ready to follow the Spartan way,
Nico
