Taking on Spartan Racing

A student athlete trains to conquer rigorous obstacle courses for a Spartan race.

Photo Cortesy of Kelly Greenway

Above: Freshman Katelyn Greenway trains to complete obstacles in Spartan races such as her pulling herself over a steep metal frame with a slippery rope in a recent race.

By Piper Frank

Outdoors Editor

Common sports high schoolers participate in are soccer, basketball, football, track, cross-country, volleyball, and baseball which are known across the country. Freshman Katelyn Greenway has branched out from traditional sports to compete in Spartan races. Spartan racing is a newer sport that offers an entertaining and competitive spin on long distance running.

A Spartan race has a series of obstacles differing in the level of difficulty and distance ranging from 3 miles to marathon distances. Greenway has been training for the Spartan race by participating in both high school and club sports cross-country and nordic skiing as well as running in her free time. Having experience with the sport, Greenway knows what to expect on her upcoming race, although she will be participating in her first adult race instead of the kids courses she has gone through in the past. “I like the obstacles because it’s not just a run, and not just a race, there are things to entertain you,” Grenway said.

There are Spartan races all over the country, yet the courses Greenway has run are located in Canada, Montana, and Utah. Her upcoming race will be in Utah. When Greenway arrives at the course, she expects to find the obstacles such as bucket carries, tall walls, barbed wire to crawl under, and more exciting things that spice up her competitive love for running. Since Greenway is conditioned to running long distances, the race will feel like a 3 to mile sprint to her. A contestant looking for a longer race, Greenway informs that they also offer “the Super” and “the Beast” which are marathon distances.

Greenway isn’t the only one in her family who participates in Spartan racing. “My family got me into the sport, and my dad started racing a couple years ago,” Greenway said. Loving the thrill of the race aspect, Greenway and her family all enjoy the competitive fun that Spartan racing brings, making Greenway always excited for another race.

One can compete in a Spartan race as an individual or on a team to mix it up. Training for and joining a Spartan race is an activity any highschooler who wants to be active and try something new can engage in because it is a more enjoyable and fun way to exercise.

“It’s not just a run and not just a race there are things to entertain you.” -Katelyn Greenway