“A race for the hardcore; definitely not for the weakling“
This is how I described the Spartan Race after I have witnessed one held in Subic Bay last September 16, 2018.
Spartan Race is not anyone’s ordinary run or race. Participants are expected to run, climb, throw, push, pull, jump, crawl and more as there are several obstacles on their way to the finish line. Do it and you’ll pass and continue with the run; or, fail and do a couple of burpees. It will challenge you to go not just out of your comfort zone but way, way far from it for you will get soaked in water, sun, mud and even jump through fire! Thus, being physically and mentally ready for it is really a must.
The last leg of the Spartan Race was originally scheduled September 15 and 16, 2018. However, due to the super typhoon Ompong which hit north Luzon, day 1 was cancelled and all of the activities were held the next day. Fortunately, the sun showed up a little and it didn’t rain as hard as that of the event’s first day making it possible for the organizers to push through with it. Despite the changes in the schedule, a lot of Spartans still came.
THE BIG DAY FOR SPARTANS
As early as 5:00am, parking spaces allotted for the VIPs and participants were packed as well as the registration areas. The participants came from the different parts of the world. Some are doing warm ups individually, while some did it in groups. Occasionally, a group would be stirred at the sight of some celebrities who also joined the event. Loud and upbeat music was blasting on the stereos which hyped the people around even more. It was surprising to see participants aged 40-50 in the event. I tell you, they looked like they’re still on their 30’s! After some time, the participants of the first wave Beast category were called to the starting line. First wave started at exactly 7:00am. Every 20 minutes, another wave of different category’s participants would wait on the starting line. The last wave left at around 1:00pm. What struck me was this, some participants would run twice or even three times on the same day in different categories to complete the Trifecta. These people are indeed strong and hardcore!
TYPES OF SPARTAN RACE
There are actually different types of Spartan races. These include Sprint, Super, Beast and Trifecta which vary depending on the distance and the number of obstacles. The Sprint is the shortest with at least 5 km rub and has the fewest (but seriously not few as it still has more than 20) obstacles while the Beast has the farthest distance with 21 km and has most number (at least 30) of and complex obstacles. The Super race type, on the other hand, has at least 13 km plus more or less 25 obstacles. Lastly, Trifecta is more of a type where you complete the three aforementioned race types. The obstacles include barbed wire crawl, bucket brigade, tire drag, climbing walls, Atlas carry, traverse wall, spear throw, rope climb, fire jump and more. These were only few and the common. Participants are rather surprised with the challenging yet fun on the the actual race.
Hop in, Spartan!
A Spartan, A gentleman.
A true Spartan helps his follow, aye?
Spear throw
Fire jump!
Though challenging, these Spartans seemed to enjoy the obstacles for they are either doing it with their family and friends and some, strangers whom they have just met during the race. They helped each other to get through an obstacle. The sun actually didn’t go on shining the whole day. Though seldom, the rain would pour making the obstacle more challenging as it got muddier and the trail became more slippery. Often times, it was hard for the participants to finish an obstacle due to this instance. But still, they did not yield. They would only let the rain pass but not the challenge. The event ended at around 6:00pm. The participants were invited to an after-party with free food and drinks would be held at Camaya Beach Resort.
Right before everyone gets muddy and soaked in rain
The “We made it to the finish line!” pose
Special thanks to Yi Technology fam, through Sir Darnell Austria, the SEA Regional Supervisor of Yi Technology, for having me in the event. What was expected to be a two-day full of action became a staycation and a day full of action. lol. We stayed at Harley’s Pub Hotel. It was such a cool place to hang out.
Sir Ney of Yi Technology Austria in action photo from Bennett Mendoza
For more updates about the upcoming Spartan Races in the Philippines, stay tuned to their official Facebook page, Spartan Race Philippines and their official website, Spartan Race Philippines. Click this link to find your photos —->
Anne Elizabeth Gumiran, also known as Queenie, is a 20-something, full-time public school teacher, a part-time travel blogger and a freediver. She started putting her stories of adventures and misadventures into words and pictures in 2017 and continues to do so as she shares her advocacy, Sustainable Traveling.
