Interview: Our obstacle racing columnist Paul Hayward speaks to Joe De Sena, the global Founder of Spartan Race
Whether you are already a seasoned obstacle racer, an ultra runner, Ironman triathlete or even if you have not yet made it off the sofa, Joe De Sena, the global Founder of Spartan Race, is an inspirational man with a passion to change lives and Spartan Races has given him a platform to do just that!
Spartan Race is a global phenomenon, and since 2006 more than one million people have participated in the events around the world.
De Sena is is an accomplished runner and athlete, having competed in 50 ultra-marathons and 14 Ironman events. He is much revered by runners in the US and round the world. He has trained the U.S. Olympic wrestling team and is a legend in adventure and endurance racing. He once completed the 135-mile Badwater ultramarathon, the 140-mile Lake Placid Ironman and a 100-mile trail run in Vermont - in a week.
Paul Hayward spoke to Jo De Sena during a recent visit to London. They were also joined by Dan Tuffnell, the new Director and UK Licensee for Spartan Race UK (HERE). They discuss De Sena's background in sport, why he founded Spartan Race, as well developments in the global and UK series of Spartan Races:
Spartan’s 2014 events can be found at uk.spartanrace.com/events and begin on August 30
For Spartan Race obstacle race videos, visit: www.youtube.com/spartanracevideos
Follow Spartan Race UK on Facebook at www.facebook.com/spartanrace.uk
Competition: Your chance to WIN
Win a signed copy of De Sena's new book ‘Spartan Up!’ (Simon & Schuster) AND a Global Season Pass, which allows the winner to enter any Spartan Race, anywhere in the world!
Spartan Up is billed as “A take no prisoners guide to overcoming obstacles and achieving peak performance in life”.
Terms and Conditions:
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Competition will close at midnight on Monday, June 30, 2014.
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Winner will be chosen at random each evening.
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Judges decision is final
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No cash alternative
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UK residence only.
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The Global Access does not include flights and accommodation and is non-transferable
Paul HaywardI am 33 years old and spend the majority of my life within an office environment. Whilst I played football, I never really took an interest in sport let alone athletics. In 2011 I joined a gym as I was slightly concerned about my weight. However I was, like an awful lot of my colleagues, coasting and I considered spinning three times a week a workout.
This changed when I took up a circuits class and found myself entering Men’s Health Survival of the Fittest London in November 2011. I was assured by my friends that this was a good idea and would be a “challenge”.
I had never entered any form of competitive event before and training for this run changed me. I listened to my personal trainer, who assured me that if I quit drink I could be dangerous, and sorted out my diet, stopped drinking so much and focussed my training. I completed the race in just over an hour and I was instantly bitten by the racing bug, I loved the challenge the event offered.
Nearly two years on I have completed a half marathon in 1hour 49 minutes, came 6
th in the Rat Race Horseplay 5k event and usually come within the top 30% at Obstacle Course races. I am also a part time triathlete and I am lucky to find myself in a running club where we have a great coach and the focus is on members. If I am honest - I came to running through these events and I am not alone.
My aim through Run 247 is to promote, discuss and publicise Obstacle Course racing. It is becoming huge and over the coming months we will cover all of the major races and the new competitors entering the scene.
How to WIN
