Obstacle Mud Runner - issue 08

13 ForEliteAtheletes to FunRunners 01732 452404 RACE : EXCLUSIVE 12. Will you be participating in the Spartan races yourself and where are you most likely to end up doing burpees? “My job is non-stop on the day so I always get to run the course with the crew the day before. Without a doubt, the rope climb will catch me out.” 13. Why have some age categories been scrapped? “We like to split age categories so each attendee can see results within their individual age group. We have combined the Grand Masters with the over 50’s, we will monitor this and watch how this goes.” 14. Why do all my Spartan race photos from different distances feature such similar obstacles? “Because we sort our photo’s into time categories, we position our photographers near the timing mats. We try to position these near an obstacle that may have a slower flow of runners so we capture each individual and don’t miss anyone because 10 people were able to run past at the same time. We believe keeping a good flow is important and would rather photographers be positioned where we know they will get a great shot of everyone.” 15. What do Spartan do to prevent bottlenecks? “We try to keep the flow of runners as smooth as possible by managing wave size and wave times. This means we allow sufficient time for any previous wave to be clear of any obstruction prior to the next one starting. We have invested heavily to ensure this years’ obstacles are even more improved and this should help maintain a steady flow.” 16. Where was the Valentines’ day offer? “We like to keep you on your toes and remain unpredictable. Watch this space for exciting news coming up though, including 2019 dates, yes really! Super early bird price will be the best option so book early. Once the super early bird offer closes it will never be that low again.” 17. What distance is the most popular? “Actually, as a percentage, the Trifecta is the most popular combination. There is a really good balance across all 3, however, if I had to break it down to individual numbers I would say the Sprint and Super as there are more of these distance events available. My favourite is the Sprint as it’s a really good introduction to a nice achievable distance and offers great exposure to anyone unsure, it is challenging enough to make them want to come back and try again. Our volunteers are brilliant and we pride ourselves on being at the finish line to watch every single runner, even the very last one, jump the fire and cross the finish line.” 18. How many of your competitors are returning for another go? “Our awesome Race Director Karl Allsop works tirelessly to ensure every racer enjoys the Spartan experience. We have an amazingly high return rate and we believe that Spartan offer a real hub of activity for the community. We have at least a 70% return rate which we think is amazing.” 19. What is YOUR favourite obstacle? We know it’s not the rope climb. “It has to be the 8ft walls. On race day I like to spend time talking to the crowd and mixing with runners getting feedback and asking about their experience, we want to be able to offer the best customer service, offer the best merchandise and provide the best race, in order to do that, I have to know what people expect and want. I digressed, so the 8ft walls, this is where I generally end up and lend a hand. I have been stood on, kicked in the face, covered in mud, and I love it all. I love watching each individual reach that triumphant peak where they get to the top and all they have to do is run for the finish line. I am filled with such a huge amount of pride seeing the immense sense of achievement from people from all different backgrounds and walks of life, from the competitive athlete, to the charity fun runner, to the disabled, to the team building group. Our goal is to fight the rise in obesity and get people off the sofa, get children away from games consoles and lead the sport forwards. We think we are doing just that, we are here to change lives. We have an amazingly high return rate and we think that is down to the support and encouragement that we feel we give each individual We have at least a 70% return rate which we think is amazing