SPARTAN RACE PHILIPPINES ELITE SERIES

2023 Spartan Race Elite Series begins with Vermosa kick-off this February

Sweat, swagger, and spirit converge once more as the country’s best obstacle athletes vie for race supremacy to banner this year’s Spartan Elite Series opener at the sprawling suburban city-estate of Vermosa in Imus, Cavite from February 17 to 18.

The Battle of Vermosa features the inaugural 3K Elite Series on Day 1, triggering a gruelling yet glorifying test of physical power and mental toughness akin to the fabled Spartan warrior ethos of ancient Greece.

Ninety (45 men and 45 women) Elite Athletes from all over Asia Pacific are expected to slug it out at Vermosa. They were invited based on their ranking and strong finish from previous Spartan races. Also in the roster are top athletes from universities and uniformed personnel, members of the national team which secured golds in the 2019 Southeast Asian Games, the last time obstacle course racing was included in the biennial meet. Among the top racers invited are Guinness Book World Record Holders for OCR Sandi Abahan and Elias Tabac from the Philippines, Multi Trifecta holder Shen Max of China, Hiroki Asami and Honoka Jinzai of Japan, and Hansol Jang of Korea.

“We invite everyone to witness the fastest and fittest athletes in obstacle course racing compete for the first ever 3K Elite Series in the world,” Marc Laurenze Celis, Spartan Race Philippines General Manager said. “These athletes will be competing for podium spots, awards, and cash prizes at an Olympic-like level for Obstacle Course Racing and a chance to represent their flag for the upcoming World Championship and The OCR Triple Crown this December”

Day 2 headlines the Philippine National Series featuring age-group competitors around the country and open categories for beginners, enthusiasts, and casual athletes.

“Sprint” challenges all comers to a blistering 5-kilometer run that highlights strength and speed to overcome 20 imposing obstacles towards the finish line. Dubbed “the first stop” to every Spartan’s journey, the Sprint hones a racer’s ability to finish the course in a short period of time. Some returning Spartans focus on the Sprint for years to enhance their running and clearing prowess.

“Super” is a 10-kilometer stretch which equally measures the racer’s strength, endurance, speed, and timing against a 25-obstacle loop. It’s one of the most demanding runs in the Spartan circuit that requires a pace strategy to conquer duration and elevation.

“Hurricane Heat” brings teamwork and leadership to the fore as racers, led by the Krypteia (event leaders), brave the elements and demolish self-doubt to rule the 4-hour challenge. There are no medals at stake in Hurricane Heat but the ultimate grind-out primes every racer to achieve personal evolution after acing physical tasks, problem solving, leadership challenges and solo performance tests under extreme conditions.

Also in the pipe is the 10-kilometer Super Classic Elite and 5-kilometer open Sprint. Just a month later, the Sparta Series moves to Cebu for the Trail 10k and Trail 21k on March. 18. On May 26, Spartans assemble anew in Alviera, Pampanga for the Beast event, alongside the Sprint and Trail 10k jousts, respectively. On July 16, Spartan Race returns to New Clark City in Tarlac for the Stadion. Baguio will then play host to all Spartans for the Trailfecta Weekend and Hurricane Heat 12 Hour. The Spartan Race Series wraps up its calendar with the Trifecta Weekend at Montclair, Pampanga from November 18 to 19. #