Sun Peaks’ mountain terrain will be utilized to its full potential during the upcoming Spartan Beast race on Saturday, September 28.
As the only location in Western Canada for competitors to run the challenging 21 km obstacle race, the event is drawing a large and diverse crowd of athletes from across Canada, the Pacific Northwest, and other parts of the United States.
Only one level away from the most difficult Spartan race offered – the Ultra Beast Marathon – racers will encounter 30 obstacles throughout the course which includes Sun Peaks’ Top of the World (2,152m) and beyond.
This race is the world’s leading obstacle race series, which was originally designed by seven ultra athletes and a Royal Marine. Unlike other hobby obstacle runs, competitors race against the clock and each other, wearing timing chips for accuracy.
The weekend also includes the popular 5 km Spartan Sprint race with 15 obstacles on Sunday, September 29. Sun Peaks’ unique mountain Sprint race course and venue is expected to draw approximately 1000 people from across the region. Sunday will also include a Spartan Kids race with all proceeds going to the national charity KidSport.
To increase intensity for competitors, Spartan Race doesn’t supply a course map and creates venue specific obstacles meant to challenge racers, on top of their regular obstacles of fire, mud, water and barbed wire. It also offers a unique culture and community of athletes, many earning Spartan points and aiming to join the “Trifecta Tribe” by finishing one Spartan Sprint, one Super Spartan and one Beast Spartan race all in one year. After conquering that, a select few continue on to Ultra Beast Marathon.
Spectators are encouraged to watch and cheer on competitors. Roughly five obstacles and the beginning and finish line of the race course can be viewed from Sun Peaks’ village.
The deadline for the final early bird registration price for both races at Sun Peaks is July 31, 2013. Registration will then continue at full price until September 25. To register for the Spartan Beast or Spartan Sprint at Sun Peaks go to www.sunpeaksresort.com/spartan.
Photo courtesy of Sun Peaks
SnowOnline Editor: Lori Knowles
