On August 5, 2017 Spartan Obstacle Course Race returns to Utah with a Super Race held at Nordic Valley Ski Resort in Eden, Utah.
The Reebok Spartan Super is a middle distance course. It is longer and has more obstacles than the Spartan Sprint Race and will test endurance, perseverance, and grit.
If watching shows such as American Ninja Warrior, Ultimate Beastmaster, and Spartan Ultimate Team Challenge has awakened a desire to try the challenges it might be time to gather friends and build a Spartan team. Teams can be any size, but must have at least 4 members to be included in team rankings.
Building and registering as a team is the best way to ensure that everyone starts at the same time and be able to complete the course together. You can register in advance at 2017: Team Registration and Start Times.
Spartan racers come to test themselves in a Spartan Race, designed to push competitors to their limits by using distance and military training based obstacles. Competitors run through mud, endure fire hoses, throw spears, carry sandbags, jump tires, climb ropes and may be asked to solve a Rubik’s cube. The obstacles and the layout of the course is kept as secret as possible and the runners love the surprises along the way.
Competitor, Frank Towle said, “One of the things you look forward to are the surprises.” As racers make their way through the racecourse they have no clue which obstacle they are going to face next. While some of the obstacles are standard the race directors like to think up new challenges.
The race is grueling and heat can be an added factor at the Utah race. Announcers warn the racers to stay hydrated, but the dry heat still takes a toll. Despite the hardships of the race Towle expressed what many runners feel, “After the race you think, why aren’t there more water stations? That was hard! Where do I sign up for next year?” It is an addictive experience.
Training is important for a race like the Spartan. Another competitor, Mike Sanchez said that after the first race he knew how to train better. He concentrated on a consistent running schedule and did some weight training for upper body strength. He liked the race because training gave him, “motivation to stay in shape all year.”
Sanchez said, “My favorite obstacle was the low crawl through the mud towards the end of the race. It was cool and wet and gave me a chance to cool down.” Although the mud crawl was his favorite he liked all of the obstacles.
Both racers expressed that the race was more challenging, but more fun because of the obstacles. Running a regular 10K or marathon is just that – running. But the added obstacles keep the runners on their toes and they mentally have to stay in the race. There is literally no time for boredom. Towle said, “When training, anywhere is your playground. Anything that challenges you physically will train you.” Sanchez likes to train at Sugar House Park because he can run up and down the hills and simulate the course.
Racers come ready for business, but with smiles on their faces knowing they’ve come to play in the mud and nobody will be there to yell at them at the end of the race because they got dirty.
For full details including a race day schedule, what to wear, what to bring, and what to expect at the finish line visit their website.
Aroo!
