Spartan and World OCR Seek 1 Million Participants for World’s Largest Virtual Race

May 27, 2020

BOSTON, Mass. (May 26, 2020) – On the heels of its 10-year anniversary, Spartan, the world’s leading endurance and extreme wellness brand, looks to host its biggest event yet. “Project Unbreakable: The World’s Largest Virtual Race, powered by Rakuten” will unfold May 30-31 in people’s homes, backyards and neighborhoods across the world, targeting 1 million participants across 140 countries. The virtual race consists of running and completing the equivalent distance and obstacles in one of Spartan’s four signature obstacle course races, including the 5k, 20-obstacle Spartan Sprint; 10k, 25-obstacle Spartan Super; half-marathon, 30-obstacle Spartan Beast; and 50k and 60-obstacle Spartan Ultra.

“Twenty years ago, the idea for Spartan was born and 10 years later, in 2010, our first-ever race was held in Vermont,” said Spartan Founder and CEO Joe De Sena. “I never imagined we’d be where we are today both in size — and the current state of the world — and we’re here to show the world the resilience of Spartans by hosting the largest virtual race in history.”

The event has been carefully designed to allow for indoor or outdoor completion, with Spartan providing alternatives for those who cannot run outside, including use of indoor cardio equipment — such as stationary bikes and rowing machines — and exercises such as bear crawls, jump rope and stair climbs. The obstacles are made up of a series of bodyweight and aerobic exercises. such as push-ups, mountain climbers and more. All participants earn a free global leaderboard spot and virtual medal, or can upgrade to a race bundle and get an exclusive t-shirt, physical Trifecta wedge and other prizes.

Spartan holds more than 250 events in more than 40 countries, with 1.2 million annual participants. The brand has partnered with World OCR, the Fédération Internationale de Sports d’Obstacles (FISO) — with member federations in 100 countries — for Project Unbreakable. The goal of the collaboration is to provide opportunities for as many athletes as possible around the world to help them stay fit and healthy.

“World OCR is excited to collaborate with Spartan on this global event partnership,” said World OCR President Ian Adamson. “We believe we are stronger together, and in the spirit of obstacle racing, working with Spartan on Project Unbreakable demonstrates our commitment to elevating the sport for the benefit of athletes worldwide.”

Project Unbreakable is Spartan’s latest effort to keep its community connected and healthy during the COVID-19 pandemic. To date, Spartan has had close to 20,000 entries in weekly virtual races, which began in April. The brand quickly pivoted from race events to digital content, creating SPARTAN UNBREAKABLE, a 24/7 content engine providing a schedule of live and on-demand at-home workouts and wellness content.

About Spartan

With more than 250 events across more than 40 countries on six continents, Spartan is the world’s largest obstacle course race (OCR) and endurance brand. Providing transformation through sport, Spartan attracts more than one million annual participants across all fitness levels, from beginners to elite. More than five million participants have finished Spartan events, creating a lifestyle that extends beyond races including health and wellness products, training and nutrition programs, and popular media content, which has made OCR one of the fastest growing sports in the world. Spartan events feature races at various distances, Spartan Stadion® and Spartan Sprint®: 5k and 20 obstacles; Spartan Super®: 10k and 25 obstacles; Spartan Beast®: half marathon and 30 obstacles; and Spartan Ultra™: 50k and 60 obstacles. Visit spartan.com for more information and registration.

About World OCR

World OCR, the Fédération Internationale de Sports d’Obstacles (FISO) is an independent association composed of national federations in 100 countries that represent the needs of their athletes worldwide. The members of FISO are organized into continental associations including OCR Africa (OSFA), OCR Americas (PAOSF), OCR Asia-Pacific (OSFAP), and OCR Europe (EOSF). FISO is the international governing body and sole competent authority for obstacle sports and related disciplines throughout the world.

MEDIA CONTACTS:

Jonathan Fine, 781.248.3963, jonathanf@spartan.com

Leandro Pontes, +33 (0) 6 04 54 14 48, media@worldocr.org