Off road, obstacle races are on the upswing. For some, traditional races have no appeal; they prefer to push themselves in off road experiences. Consisting of a wide variety of challenges, they are grueling physically and mentally and designed to push you hard.
One of the most popular obstacle races are the Spartan Races, whose mission is to “get people active, and return to our ancient roots where running through woods, getting dirty, and facing adversity was part of everyday life. “ The inaugural Super Spartan Race is coming to NYC on September 24th start time is 9 AM at Wolfe's Pond Park Preserve on Staten Island. The Super Spartan will have over 8 miles of mud running plus over 15 obstacles to challenge participants to the max.
According to Tom McCormack, of Spartan Races, the Staten Island community has been supportive and enthusiastic of the pending event. McCormack said the Spartan Race Series are adding in a charity component, which they plan on building on for the 2012 race season. A few of the charities now involved are Team In Training, Homes for Troops and Fred’s Team.
For Michael Martin running for Fred’s Team, the race is a way to challenge himself and contribute to a charity he feels passionately about. His daughter, Caitlin now 7, was diagnosed with leukemia at the age of 3. She was treated at Memorial Sloan-Kettering Cancer Center and is now in remission. Martin said he signed up for the Spartan Race because he was looking for a new challenge. He said he appreciates, “not knowing what the obstacles are upfront, so really can’t prepare for them – that unknown factor and having to deal with them on the spot.”
John Sweeney, who participated in the Spartan Death Race, the most grueling of the Spartan series, says, “It was, very difficult, the hardest thing I’ve ever done. It took you to your limits, to a place you don’t normally find yourself, a real challenge.”
Every year the race is different and the challenges change with each race. Are you ready to challenge yourself to the max? The Super Spartan is for you.
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