SHARPEN YOUR SPEARS!

NEW YORK'S FIRST SPARTAN RACE SCHEDULED AUGUST 15, 2010, AT FLOYD BENNETT FIELD IN BROOKLYN

Registration Now Open for NY Metro Area Race ˆ www.SpartanRace.com
Top Competitors Earn a Spot in the 2011 Death Race in Pittsfield, VT

BROOKLYN, NY, June 29, 2010 ˆ Expect the unexpected.  That‚s the mantra of the upcoming, highly unusual Spartan Race, taking place Aug. 15 at Floyd Bennett Field in Brooklyn, NY.  Outrageous obstacles and fierce competition rule as participants take on challenges such as wall climbing, mud crawls and spear throwing.  The 5 K course is meant for ages 16+ with a taste for adventure.

To register for the adrenalin-charged event, visit www.spartanrace.com.  Registration is open until Aug. 13.  Cost is $50 until July 5; $60 from July 5-26; and $70 until August 13.  The competition will be followed by traditional Spartan era post-race events and will feature live entertainment and food.  Each participant receives a tech shirt and a medal.

A launch party is from 7 p.m. to 10 p.m. July 15 at Third and Long, a sports bar at 523 Third Ave. Manhattan that is owned by Matt Long of the I Will Foundation, one of three charities benefiting from Spartan registrations. The other two are The Leukemia & Lymphoma Society, Long Island Chapter, and the Fire Department of New York burn unit.


The Spartan Race is set up to test not only the strength and stamina, but the cunning and creativity of each athlete‚s warrior existence.  Participants will confront obstacles ranging from the extreme to the absurd, inspired from sources as varied as Spartan training, Navy SEAL training and American Gladiators.

This Spartan Race Series is the brain-child of uber-sports impresario Joe Desena who created the annual Death Race, a 12-36 hour ultra endurance test in Pittsfield, VT.  The male or female with the fastest time in the New York Spartan Race will earn a spot in the 2011 Death Race.  Spartan spears will be awarded to the overall male warrior and female warrior.  A winner from each of the nine age categories will take home a custom Spartan medal.

„Leave your comfort zones at home,‰ says Race Director Brian Duncanson.  „The mental and physical challenges of this race will give people something different to think about.  This is not an extreme sporting event that will scare people away.  It‚s about the fun, getting dirty, getting down in the mud, something exciting and new.‰

Check-in in race day begins at 8 a.m. Heats will be held in 30 minute increments from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m., with up to 300 Spartans per heat. Participants should arrive at least 45 minutes prior to their heat. 

Desena‚s goal is to engage people of various backgrounds and ages to break free from the mold of traditional races, to revive their adventurous spirit, even for just a day.  „You can watch reality TV or you can join in reality,‰ says Desena.

The Spartan Race Series continues on an international circuit with events planned Aug. 28 in Boston, Sept. 19 in Cambridge UK, Oct. 3 in Houston, Oct. 3 in Manchester UK, and Dec. 12 in Los Angeles.  The series is under the auspices of Peak Races of Pittsfield, VT, www.peakraces.com. 

Further information on the Spartan Race Series can be found at www.spartanrace.com or on the Spartan Race Facebook page, which already boasts more than 10,000 fans.
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