PITTSFIELD, Vt. (WCAX) – A true test of endurance of strength is happening this weekend in Southern Vermont. The Spartan Death Race pits people against nature’s elements and obstacles in the town of Pittsfield.
Roughly one hundred people are tackling different events, including the Hurricane Heat, a mainly team-based 24-hour event. Organizers say it’s meant to push your mental and physical capabilities to new limits.
“People don’t know what to expect. They study previous years and they try to figure out what is the process what makes this work what is the protocol, and we always want every racer to have their own experience but also to be challenged,” said race director Andi Hardy.
The events change each year, to keep things interesting for returning racers, like Ken Sykes.
“We’ve been doing Spartan races since 2017, so we’re very familiar with the branding and the lifestyle. It’s been incorporated into our lives, it’s definitely made us a healthier family,” said Sykes.
The death races originated in Vermont, and organizers say returning every year, is a special moment for the Spartan community.
“This is where it all started, this is where the ideas began, and this is where it’s just like a sacred ground in a sense for death race,” Hardy said.
Those participating in the Hurricane Heat challenge generally tackle less strenuous tasks, while the death runners are doing manual labor helping the Pittsfield community.
“What we can do for the community, sometimes it’s to this property itself, sometimes it’s for like a local school, what can we do to help. That’s a huge key for our hurricane heats and death racers is giving in some way of yourself.” Hardy said.
For newcomers to the farm, ex-racers say there’s always a twist when it comes to races and events.
“So Joe initially said it was going to be a retreat, and so but when you think of [Spartan Death Race founder] Joe De Sena saying a retreat you know anything is game, so mostly probably burpees and being put to work,” said Ellen Satra, of the Spartan Death Race Farm Experience.
The Spartan Death Race continues through the weekend, with a climb of what’s dubbed Mount Sparta in Pittsfield.