by Hunter McIntyre, Spartan Elite Athlete

The second Spartan Race In Mexico is this weekend, May 17, 18, and 19th in Mexico City. The ante has been raised with $10,000 in prize money, and Elite heat and a Super distance. I have been looking forward to getting back down south to see some of the hardest working Spartan enthusiast I’ve met to date! This could be the toughest Spartan venue in the world, racing at an elevation of more than 9000 feet, 9 miles of rugged terrain to cover and 25 gnarly obstacles. If you want a hint to how that might feel try running with a bag over head while running on a treadmill plus a few burpees every mile!  (Just kidding don’t ever try that!)

Making this even more exciting and challenging, I will not be the only one crossing the border for this epic race. Joining me are few other of the top US Elite wave racers. We will be running the Elite heat on Saturday. Scheduled to race on the trails are Miguel Medina, David Magida and Christopher ‘Tough Training’ Rutz charging against me for the gold. On the women’s side look for Andi Hardy and Margaret “Dirt in Your Skirt” Schlachter. They are both taking their first trip to a Mexico Spartan Race in hopes of taking the podium places from the local competition.

So what does this does Mexico Super Spartan at Valle de Bravo have to offer!? Besides the extreme venue and competitors there is a whopping cash prize 3500$ for the first place finisher, 1000$ for 2nd and 500$ for third. This will truly make the race a cut throat battle for those who can push themselves to limit during this challenging high altitude race. In addition to the US racers, the Mexican athletes have been training hard and will literally give some of the US racers a run for their money. Watch out for Hector Hernandez, a Crossfit coach at WODBOX Cancun, a Spartan Race official training center and Yusef Chalita. Yusef finished just behind me in the Mexico City Spartan Sprint in February.

I have to say I am truly excited to be racing in the Mexico Spartan Race series again, but I am not the only one who is hot to trot for this race. This race sold out within 72 hours of the registration date opening. There are so many participants that the race will be spread across three days.

Just a week away from the starting line I have my bags packed and my game face on! If anyone out there is brave enough to challenge the elites for a podium place I wish you the best of luck, see you all at the finish line!

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Spartan Race is headed to a brand new place this weekend for a Spartan Sprint – Montana! This is Spartan Race’s first time ever at this location and in Montana. This race will be located near Kalispell, the Gateway to the Glacier National Park! Our Race Director Todd Sedlak promises a brutal course but “worth it when you reach the summit.” Oh, and by the way you better be dressing in layers as the forecast is 34 degrees for race day! We have yet another race with the locals having an advantage of living at altitude.

On the men’s elite side we have Cody Moats, Chris Rutz, Elliot Megquier, Brad Fredricks, and Rob Michaud going. The Cody Moats vs Elliot Megquier match-up being the favorite. Let’s see what ya got boys!
On the woman’s side we have Juliana Sproles, Andi Hardy, Margret Schlacher, and Bev Watson. The woman’s side should prove to be a close race also. Good Luck to all stay safe and warm! Navy Federal Credit Union putting up some cash 1st $500, 2nd $300, 3rd $100!

Are you ready for a Spartan Race?  Click HERE to find one near you!

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by Chris Rutz
It is time for the second stadium race brought to you by Spartan Race!  Citi Field promises to deliver in a big way!  The stadium concept kicked off last year at Fenway and now we are coming to the city so nice, they named it twice, New York, New York. This is a sprint distance race with many familiar obstacles, however, the stadium will add an element of surprise and difficulty. This year we have four stadium races currently on the schedule with more on the horizon.  First up, is this weekend’s Citi Field Race!

4/13 – Citi Field
8/31 – Citizens Bank Park
9/7 – Miller Park
11/16 – Fenway

Spartan’s Elite racers are excited about coming to Citi Field this weekend to see how they transition from the varied terrain of a typical Reebok Spartan Race to the more controlled environment presented in the stadium.

Look for Alexander Nicholas, the winner of Fenway in 2012, to go for a repeat win in the stadium series. He will be challenged by Elliott Megquier, David Magida, Miguel Medina, Hunter McIntyre and Joey Patrolia. Joey is the only one of the five that has experienced a stadium race before, so he will certainly have the advantage. Hunter McIntyre is coming off of a photo finish third place in Vegas so this will be an exciting heat to watch.

The women’s side is wide open. Shaun Provost, the winner of Fenway will be defending her stadium title. Many of the top ladies that were in Las Vegas last weekend are sitting this one out. Look for new females faces to emerge and battle Shaun for the podium.

We’re getting all set-up and ready for the Spartans to descend on Citi Field.  Will you be on among them?

Maybe you have run a Spartan Race already, but have you run a Spartan Race in the stadium?  Time to sign up.

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by Chris Rutz, Elite Spartan Athlete

David Chandler

The Reebok Spartan Race Carolinas Sprint continues a new program with some of the best Spartan Racers in the sport of obstacle racing. It is called the Reebok Spartan Race Invite Series. We have asked our top racers to invite someone to run a Spartan Race with them. The top Spartan Racer will host someone they have been trying to get into Spartan Racing. It may be their best friend, their wife, their son, their coach or anyone who can coerce and invitation out of them. It just has to be someone that has never done a Spartan Race.

For the Carolinas Sprint, David Chandler has invited his mom, brother-in-law and sister to join him in a Spartan Race. They will be running together in one of the Open heats on Saturday afternoon. David competed in 10 Spartan Races in 2012. He finished 8th overall in the 2012 Series and won $1,000.

David told us “I will be running with my Mom, Sister, and Brother in law. They have seen me race before and see me train all the time. They think that I am crazy for doing it, but see how much fun I have. I decided to surprise them this Christmas with entry into the Reebok Spartan Sprint in Charlotte as their gift that I will run with them!”

We asked his family a few questions:

How do you know the Spartan racer?

Rhonda Chandler (Mom): David is my Spartan Crazed son, whom I watched train like a maniac last summer and who sparked my interest in strength training. Brian Alexander: I’m part of his entourage (Brother in law). Marissa Alexander (Sister): My brother, he is the one with the Mohawk.

What is your athletic background?

Rhonda Chandler: I’ve been casually running for the past 30 years. After being challenged by David this summer, I added a variety of strength training and interval training to my weekly workouts. I’m really enjoying all the variety and have gotten much stronger and improved my race times. Marissa Alexander: I like to run and swim for fun in my neighborhood.

Why did you say yes when you were asked?

Rhonda Chandler: I thought it would be neat to see the middle portion of a race as the beginning and end are so neat to watch. I also thought I could be a good sport and give it a try. Brian Alexander: Because it was a challenge. Marissa Alexander: I had no choice…….it was my Christmas present!

What are you most excited about?

Rhonda Chandler: I’m looking forward to jumping over the fire at the end of the race. I hope I haven’t used all my energy up on burpees! Brian Alexander: Having fun and competing with my family. Marissa Alexander: Getting the tee shirt and being able to say “I am a Spartan!”

What are you most worried about?

Rhonda Chandler: David knows this answer. I’m worried about the water events. I don’t like getting wet and cold. A little mud would be ok, but soaking wet and covered in mud is a different story. Brian Alexander: Potentially having to run with wet shoes. Marissa Alexander: The large number of burpees I will have to do.

Think you’re ready to take on a Reebok Spartan Race?  Get signed up today!

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by Chris Rutz, Elite Spartan Athlete

Reebok Spartan Racing is heading to Georgia. This weekend Spartan racing action will be in Conyers at the Georgia International Horse Park. This will be the first Sprint of the season on the East Coast. Look for some fast times from the top racers. They should rip through this course in a little over 30 minutes.

On the men’s side look for Alec Blenis at his 2013 debut at a Spartan Race. He is looking to return to the podium at his hometown race. Looking to challenge him will be Joey Patrolia and David Magida, both fresh of off top placing in Miami two weeks ago. If David stays on course he might just win the race. Another David, David Chandler will also be in the running. He was one of the top 10 Spartan’s from 2012 and is eager to prove himself again this year. Oh, and let us not forget Hobie Call. He will surely be the one to beat, as usual.  Elite disabled athlete Michael Mills will also be making his Spartan debut.  The T-12 paraplegic will be completing the course crawling on his hands and knees.  

For the women, Angela Cobb will be making a run for the top spot. She won the Saturday Elite heat in Miami and will be the one to watch in Georgia.

There is no money up for grabs this weekend, but that does keep the top athletes from competing in Georgia for points. Have you checked out the 2013 Elite Racers Points System?

Stay tuned to find out who makes it to the top!

Ready to take on your own Spartan Race? Find an event HERE!

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by Chris Rutz, Spartan Elite Athlete

The Reebok Spartan Race Georgia Sprint continues a new program with some of the best Spartan Racers in the sport of obstacle racing. It is called the Reebok Spartan Race Invite Series. We have asked our top racers to invite someone to run a Spartan Race with them. The top Spartan Racer will host someone they have been trying to get into Spartan Racing. It may be their best friend, their wife, their son, their coach or anyone who can coerce and invitation out of them. It just has to be someone that has never done a Spartan Race.

For the Georgia Sprint, Alec Blenis has asked one of his family friends Jeff McCuen to join him in a Spartan Race. They will be running together in one of the Open heats on Saturday afternoon.

Alec competed in seven Spartan Races in 2012. He finished on the podium in 4 of the seven races. He is kicking off the 2013 race year with the Reebok Spartan Race Georgia Sprint.

We asked Jeff a few questions about Alec and Spartan Racing:

How do you know the Spartan Racer?

I am friends with his father. Alec, his dad, mother, grandfather and three other friends are regular participants. I also work with the cousin of Hobie Call. So I have heard a lot about Spartan Racing. Alec is definitely an elite runner in this competition and I have followed his success over the past few years.

What is your athletic background? 

I was a high school football player and wrestler. I also wrestled collegiately from 1979 to 1982. I was ranked as high as third in the country when a knee injury ended my career.

Why did you say yes when you were invited to race?

Honestly, If an elite participant as Alec thought enough of me to invite me, how could I say no.

What are you most excited about?

Just seeing if I can complete the course and hoping to build upon that and improve and run future races.

What are you most worried about?

EVERYTYHING. I was fairly sedentary until age 45 (6 years ago). My only physical activity was 30 minutes on an exercise bike and weightlifting. I took up tennis 6 years ago and have been an avid participant ever since, playing two to three times a week. I also began CrossFit 9 months ago. What worries me most is I have been a smoker for 30 years. Hi intensity puts me in an anaerobic state and I have to slow down. So, while I believe I can complete the sprint, it will have to be slow going.

Ready for your shot at Spartan glory?  Sign up today!

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by Chris Rutz, Elite Spartan Athlete

Have you heard Spartan Race is going global?

On February 16 Spartan Race Mexico held their first event. It was also Spartan Race’s first international event of 2013. Mexico is the most recent addition to the international locations which include Canada, United Kingdom and Slovakia. This is just the start of Spartan Race’s global expansion, Australia is up next. This event also marked the highest elevation that a Spartan Race has been held; well over 8,000ft.

I was fortunate to attend the premiere event of Spartan Race Mexico and help bring the Spartan ethos to Mexico. As a seasoned Spartan Racer I had pretty high expectations for the event and venue. Spartan Race prides itself in their race course, organization and location. The race organization in Mexico exceeded my expectations on every level. Here is a recap of what was the same, better, and different.

Same race/different country-

  • Strong brand identity with familiar Spartan Race logos and check-in process
  • Challenging obstacles designed to capitalize on the terrain
  • AROO!!! is the same in any language
  • Race organizer passion about what they are doing
  • Over 7,000 racers introduced to Spartan Racing; they will never be the same

Go global, but act local-

  • Televisa, Mexican national TV, on site to cover the event
  • Mexican celebrities on hand competing against each other
  • The largest Jumbotron I have ever see at an outdoor venue simulcasting the obstacles for the spectators to see in real time
  • The Lucha Libre on hand at the start and as gladiators at the finish
  • More vendors and sponsors in a festival area than I have seen at any obstacle race
  • Finisher T-Shirts of a technical fabric with the race location
  • Finisher medals with race location, distance and year.

 Different-

  • All waves open, elite waves to come at their next race
  • Festival challenges are being developed

Traveling to and from Mexico was easier than many of my journeys to the East Coast. The hospitality of everyone I encountered was extraordinary. I felt safe and secure during my entire journey.

Not only has Spartan Race gone global, but so have I. At this race I met many racers that have been following me on my Facebook Page, Tough Training, and on Twitter @ToughRutz. It was great to interact with followers who are as obsessed with this sport as I am. Will I be back to Mexico for a Spartan Race? Absolutely. I need to earn a Mexican Trifecta. Valle de Bravo is their next venue and it will be a Super Spartan. It too will be at a high elevation, so breathe deep if you come.  I hope to see you there.

Want to learn more about our list of international races?  Click HERE.

 

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by Chris Rutz, Elite Spartan Athlete

The Reebok Spartan Race Florida Super continues a new program with some of the best Spartan Racers in the sport of obstacle racing. It is called the Reebok Spartan Race Invite Series. We have asked our top racers to invite someone to run a Spartan Race with them. The top Spartan Racer will host someone they have been trying to get into Spartan Racing. It may be their best friend, their wife, their son, their coach or anyone who can coerce and invitation out of them. It just has to be someone that has never done a Spartan Race.

For the Miami Super Spartan, David Magida has asked one of his friends Greg Malone to join him in a Spartan Race. They will be running together in one of the Open heats on Saturday.

David finished the 2012 Spartan Race Points Series in 9th Place overall. He is kicking off the 2013 race year with the Miami Super Spartan.

We asked Greg a few questions about David and Spartan Racing:

How do you know the David?

I have known David Magida for over 15 years. I went to middle school and high school with him and ran cross country with him briefly when we were younger. He was the Spartan racer that initially sparked my interest in obstacle course racing. He suggested that I participate in the a short, local mud run in Miami as an introductory obstacle course race. He offered to run with me, for his third lap of the day, in my afternoon heat so that he could give me tips to conquer the obstacles as well as provide encouragement during. Elliott Megquier and Isaiah Vidal, whom I’d met earlier while waiting for my heat to begin, also offered to run with me. I also met Andi Hardy and Ella Kociuba at the Obstacle Racing Magazine tent and later was able to pick their brains about obstacle course racing, Spartan Race and training methods. Andi recommended that I sign up for the Spartan Workout of the Day (WOD) as a good place to begin my training.

What is your athletic background?

I played baseball in high school and wrestled for 3 years. After high school I really fell out of shape; I indulged in everything the college life had to offer. Unfortunately that lifestyle carried into my 20s and one day I found myself winded after walking up a flight of stairs at work. It was at that point I decided I had to do something about my fitness. Being friends with David for so long, I knew that he was someone I could ask for advice as I began a regimen to get myself back into shape. I began slow, running a couple miles and doing some push-ups  Now I try to go to the gym/workout a minimum of 5 times per week. I am an avid cyclist and while running is certainly not my forte, I try to do it as often as possible. I also enjoy swimming and have recently started going to a gym called Orange Theory Fitness, which holds classes that focus on high intensity interval and circuit training. I am definitely nowhere near where I want to be fitness wise, but I can see the path, I know my goals, and I finally have the motivation and desire to change my life around and reach those goals.

Why did you say yes when you were invited to race?

My experience at my first mud run was amazing. It pushed me mentally and physically and tired my body in ways it hasn’t been fatigued in years. Not the mention it was incredibly fun. When I was able to complete it without having to drag my body across the finish line I knew that I wanted my next race to challenge me even more. When David Magida told me there was a Super Spartan coming to Miami I jumped at the opportunity. Knowing there’s a race coming up and then signing up for it has forced me to push myself to another level when it comes to my training. I had such a feeling of accomplishment crossing the finish line and I can’t wait to run a Spartan race and recreate that feeling.

What are you most excited about?

The obstacles. If I just wanted to run a foot race I could sign up for a half marathon or a 10K. Breaking up the race by having to navigate through difficult and often very unique obstacles is definitely what makes the race fun for me. That being said, it’s been a very long time since I ran 8+ miles at once. I’ll definitely be incorporating a few long runs into my training, but at this point I’ll also be very excited just to cross the finish line. And drink a beer.

What are you most worried about?

My endurance. My fitness level is definitely much higher, but I’m still concerned about how tired I am going to be near the end of the race. It’s really important to me to complete every obstacle and unless they’re part of an obstacle, I’d rather not have to do any burpees during the race.

 

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by Chris Rutz, elite Spartan athlete

Reebok Spartan Racing is shifting from the West to the East. This weekend Spartan racing action is heading to Oleta State Park in South Florida. After two cool race weekends in SoCal and Arizona our top racers are hoping that South Florida will bring warm temperatures and sunny skies.

Scheduled to appear this weekend in South Florida is last year’s #3 in the Spartan Race Points Series, Rose-Marie Jarry. Rose Marie will be coming down from Montreal Canada with the intention of winning the elite women’s race. Her favorite race distance is the sprint, but she is certainly capable of winning the Super. She is hoping for lots of barbed wire crawling and mud. She has been known to outpace some of our top men. So keep an eye out for her guys. Also watch out for Sue Luck. She is getting faster and faster at each race and loves the flat terrain that South Florida offers.

On the men’s side look for Hunter McIntyre to seek out his first win in US soil. He won the Spartan Race in Mexico City this past weekend and is hungry for a US Spartan win. On tap to challenge him will be Elliott Megquier, who has won a few Sunday races, but is looking for the top spot on Saturday, and David Magida. David has spent a good deal of time in South Florida and is racing on his home turf. In addition Christopher Rutz will be racing. He is coming off a strong third place finish in Mexico and is looking for an equal or better finish in South Florida. Shawn Feiock will also be looking to return to the podium having made it there for the first time in Arizona.

The is no money up for grabs this weekend, but that does keep the top athletes from competing in South Florida for bragging rights. Will these above racers make it to the podium or will some new talent emerge from the elite athlete pool in South Florida?

Stay tuned to find out who makes it to the top!  

Ready to take on your own Spartan Race?  Find an event HERE!

 

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The Reebok Spartan Race Arizona Sprint kicks off a new program with some of the best Spartan Racers in the sport of obstacle racing. It is called the Reebok Spartan Race Invite Series. We have asked our top racers to invite someone to run a Spartan Race with them. The top Spartan Racer will host someone they have been trying to get into Spartan Racing. It may be their best friend, their wife, their son, their coach or anyone who can coerce and invitation out of them. It just has to be someone that has never done a Spartan Race.

The Series kicks off with our very own Christopher Rutz and one of his coaches from CrossFit480, Brian Gubernick. They will be running in the 11AM wave on Saturday morning.

Christopher Rutz finished the 2012 Spartan Race Points Series in 4th Place overall. In 2012 he raced 24 Spartan Races. He is kicking off the 2013 race year with the Arizona Spartan Sprint.

We asked Brian a few questions about Christopher and Spartan Racing:

How do you know Christopher?
Christopher has been training at my CrossFit gym, CrossFit 480, for the past year or so. I like to try to get to know our members on a personal level and, in learning more about Christopher, discovered his passion for obstacle racing…a world pretty foreign to me.

What is your athletic background?
Growing up, I played baseball and football, and I later played football in college. Post-college I have tried to remain active, and I enjoy competitive sports, events, etc. I have run a couple of marathons but quickly learned distance running was not all that appealing to me! I started CrossFitting about 4 years ago and love it. When life/time permits, I firmly believe in “testing” my level of fitness – whether that be in some sort of CrossFit competition, hike, or competitive event of some sort.

Why did you say yes when you were invited to race?
It was a no brainer for me…I have never tried something like this, the race is relatively short, and the obstacles pose a really cool, unique challenge that I am excited conquer.

What are you most excited about?
Trying something new…and being nervous about it since I have no real clue what to expect. I like the adrenaline rush…

What are you most worried about?
Getting lapped by Christopher “The Caveman” Rutz.

Are you ready to take on a Spartan Race?  What are you waiting for?  Get signed up TODAY.

[Editor's Note: Chris Rutz is a regular on our Spartan Race series.  Follow him @ToughRutz on Twitter and Tough Training on Facebook.]

 

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