After a very successful 2017 Spartan Race have just announced a packed calendar for 2018, which includes a prize pot of £12,000 for athletes.
As the sport of Obstacle Course Racing (OCR) continues its charge as one of the fastest growing sports in the UK, Spartan Race were again at the forefront of driving this expansion as they celebrated 2017 with their most successful year to date. A jaw-dropping 40% increase in UK racers. Four new disciplines and new obstacles were also rolled out over the year; making 2017 one to savour for the legion of loyal Spartan Racers. Combining their stats; runners conquered over 250,000km of muddy trails and notched up staggering 2 million burpees.
With demand continuing for more Spartan Races across the country, the global brand and ‘King of OCR’ has announced prize money for the winners of each race category. A move that takes the race one step closer to becoming an Olympic sport.
Prize money will be rolled out globally for the winners and runners-up of each race along with a prize fund being awarded to series winners across the five qualifying events in the UK.
Prize Money Qualifying Events:
Race: South East – St Clere
Distance: Sprint (5-6km)
Prize: 1st – 3rd Male and Female
Race: Ireland – Punchestown
Distance: Super (12-16km)
Prize: 1st – 3rd Male and Female
Race: South West – Aston Down
Distance: Super (12-16km)
Prize: 1st – 3rd Male and Female
Race: Marston Lodge
Distance: Sprint (5-6km)
Prize: 1st – 3rd Male and Female
Race: Windsor
Distance: Beast (19-22km)
Prize: 1st – 3rd Male and Female
Each qualifying race will issue points to racers depending on their finish place with the overall series winners awarded to 1st, 2nd and 3rd male and female categories along with qualifying spots to European and World Championship races.
Racer Natasha Mansell, winner of two Spartan events last year said, “The introduction of prize money will increase credibility and entice athletes from further afield. The investment that Spartan is making and the evolution of the race series highlights the growth of this amazing sport.”
Joe De Sena, Founder of Spartan Race commented, “Following an inspiring 2017, I’m delighted to see the Spartan story developing and continue to grow in popularity. The new venues that we have this year, especially in Ireland, are sensational and we can’t wait to see our Spartans put to the test. There will be more grimaces, more mud and certainly more burpees.”
2018 Spartan Races:
South East: 7th-8th April 2018
2018’s calendar will kick off in April as eager runners take on the South East venue at the regal grounds of St Clere in Kent. Situated on the scenic North Downs and known for its rolling hills – this beautiful yet challenging course will be host to a Super, Sprint and Kids distances. The season always kicks off in style, with plenty of surprises.
Ireland: 27th May 2018
The last weekend of May will see the first ever race in Ireland take place as revellers take on the hills of the Emerald Isle. On the famous Punchestown Racecourse, overseas Spartans will have the chance to conquer the Super, Sprint and Kids distances.
South West: 22-24th June 2018
As the race calendar hots up, Spartan warriors will venture South West to the famous Spartan grounds of Aston Down with an expanded offering. The hilly terrain greatly increases the difficulty of this event with a relentless barrage of short climbs alongside traditional crawls, climbs and carries. Spartan’s will be offered the chance of the Sprint, Super, Hurricane Heats and Kids distances.
Marston Lodge: 13th-15th July 2018
The self-proclaimed home of Spartan UK, this race is yet again an unmissable chance for the whole family to get involved. Test yourself physically and mentally and take on one of the Sprint, Super, Hurricane Heat or Kids races all while immersing yourself in the stunning Leicestershire surroundings.
Scotland: 15th-16th September 2018
The brand new Scottish venue sees Spartan Race come to the magnificent city of Perth. Known as the ‘Gateway to the Highlands’, the course starts on crowd-lined streets before runners head into the gruelling hills to take on the course that caters for every level. Offering Sprint, Super, Beast and Epic Ultra distances.
Windsor: 6th-7th October 2018
Spartan Race rounds out the 2018 season in the UK with a Trifecta Weekend to remember. Last year saw a record number of racers at Windsor and this year is set to be even bigger. Steeped in history and just south of London, this is the most popular venue. Don’t be fooled as this course will test your fitness and determination as you run through stunning woodlands. Spartan’s can finish the UK series with a Sprint, Super, Beast and Kids distance race.
Visit the website for tickets and more information on how to sign up here:
www.spartanrace.uk
