Spartan Sprint 5K World Championship Delivers Thrilling Finishes in Hvar, Croatia

October 13, 2025

Hvar, Croatia (October 13, 2025) /ENDURANCE SPORTSWIRE/ –  The island of Hvar once again played host to one of the most electrifying weekends in obstacle course racing, as the Spartan Sprint 5K World Championship delivered intense head-to-head action, dramatic finishes, and world-class performances against the stunning Adriatic backdrop.

The competition was fierce from start to finish, but it was Sweden’s Sara Bäckström who captured the women’s world title in 47:11, holding off Tatsiana Pekhtserava (47:14) and Zuzana Kocumova (47:18) in one of the tightest races in Spartan history with just three seconds separated the top two women.

In the men’s race, Richard Hynek of the Czech Republic claimed victory with a time of 37:14, followed by Stijn Lagrand (38:54) and Gregory Basilico (38:57), who battled to the line in an equally thrilling finish.

The Sprint 5K World Championship challenged athletes with 20 obstacles spread across Hvar’s historic fortress walls, rugged coastline, and twisting city streets with entrants combining speed, technical skill, and endurance. Broadcast live across more than 190 territories, the event drew global attention as elite racers and age group athletes pushed their limits on one of the most spectacular courses in the sport.

Spartan CEO and Founder Joe De Sena said: “This weekend showed what Spartan is all about. Grit, heart, and world-class competition. The Sprint 5K finals in Hvar were some of the most dramatic we’ve ever seen, with athletes leaving absolutely everything out there. The energy, the location, and the performances made this a weekend to remember.”

Beyond the pro championship heats, age group and open racers tackled the same demanding course, earning their place in Spartan history and celebrating alongside athletes from more than 30 nations. With the 100M Championship and Trifecta events rounding out the weekend, Hvar once again proved itself as one of the premier destinations for endurance sport.

Full highlights and replays are available on Spartan’s YouTube channel.

Full race results can be seen here.

Information on Spartan is available here.

-End-

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.

For more information visit  https://www.spartan.com/

Contact: media@spartan.com