Wednesday, May 13, 2026

New Venues, Epic Finishes & Mud-Filled Miles

Recapping this weekend's races.
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Bigfork, Montana
Bigfork welcomed Spartans to an all-new venue for 2026, bringing racers into the rugged beauty of Montana for a full Trifecta weekend. Surrounded by mountain scenery and wide-open terrain, the event gave athletes the chance to tackle everything from Sprint to Ultra while experiencing one of the most naturally scenic race locations of the season. The fresh venue brought excitement and unpredictability, making it a memorable stop for racers chasing medals, milestones, and Trifectas early in the season.
Carcassonne, France
Set against the stunning backdrop of Lac de la Cavayère, Spartan Carcassonne delivered another unforgettable weekend in one of the most scenic and beloved venues on the calendar. More than 7,000 racers took on a course packed with rolling hills, lake crossings, and natural terrain obstacles, while the sprawling festival area created the perfect atmosphere for racers and spectators alike. The France National Series battle intensified as Grégory Basilico made a surprise appearance and captured the men’s win after a dramatic duel with Dutch rising star Stijn Lagrand, while Perrine Abadie continued her dominant form with a second straight series victory. With sunshine, cool temperatures, and the energy of an eighth year at this iconic venue, Carcassonne once again proved why it remains a favourite destination for the Spartan community.
Madrid, Spain
Spartan Madrid pushed racers to their limits with a demanding course through the rugged terrain of San Agustín del Guadalix. Heavy rain transformed the course into a muddy, slippery test of endurance filled with river crossings, steep climbs, and technical descents that forced athletes to stay focused every step of the way. More than 6,000 Spartans embraced the brutal conditions, turning the weekend into a true display of resilience. The Spain National Series delivered one of the closest men’s finishes of the season, with the lead trio separated by barely a minute after all three missed their spear throws in a dramatic final stretch. On the women’s side, defending champion Jessica Velasco dominated from start to finish, securing victory by more than 20 minutes and reinforcing her place among Spain’s elite Spartan athletes.
Henley-on-Thames, UK
Tough Mudder London West kicked off the UK season in unforgettable fashion, welcoming 15,000 participants to the rolling hills and woodlands of the Culden Faw Estate. Known for its brutal elevation and iconic scenery , the course challenged Mudders with more than 550 metres of climbing on the 15K route, alongside muddy forest trails, rocky descents, and returning fan-favourite water obstacles Augustus Gloop and Shawshanked. Saturday brought clear skies and heat, while cooler temperatures on Sunday gave Mudders a completely different experience. The weekend also featured the first Infinity endurance event of the UK season, where athletes pushed their limits lap after lap, with Craig Derbyshire covering 71.6K and Nikki Caromba reaching 68.55K ahead of her return title defence in the 2026 World’s Toughest Mudder season.
Austin, Texas
DEKA Austin brought high energy and fast-paced competition to Texas as athletes tested themselves across functional fitness zones designed to reward strength, endurance, and consistency. From first-time competitors to experienced DEKA athletes chasing personal bests, the event showcased the intensity and accessibility that continues to grow the DEKA community. Every station became a battle against the clock, creating an atmosphere that pushed competitors to keep moving and earn every mark on the leaderboard.
Pasadena, California
The 2 Bears 5K returned to the legendary Rose Bowl in Pasadena for another unforgettable mix of comedy, cardio, and controlled chaos. Hosted by comedians Tom Segura and Bert Kreischer as part of the Netflix Is A Joke Fest, the event traded obstacles for laughs as thousands of participants took on a no-obstacle 5K fueled by outrageous energy and nonstop entertainment. Equal parts race and comedy experience, the event embraced the spirit of “comedy, chaos, cardio, and a lot of very committed people,” creating one of the most unique 5Ks you'll ever see.
 
WEEKEND RECAP
big bear
MAY 16 - 17
monterey
MAY 30 - 31
norcal
MAY 30
ABC Essentia givestar
GOVX Hotel Planner Navy Pressio
Turtlebox USBP Zenni
TRAIN EAT APP TEAMS

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