intro

My first ever Spartan Race! Honestly, it was still the toughest location I have ever done. Like what did I sign up for? I knew it would be high up in a mountain. But no one mentioned that the only day it would absolutely be freezing rain in August would be race day, and I'm running the 21 kilometers Beast. As a newbie, really now?

and so it begins...

Back in March 2024 I was looking into an event called Tough Mudder. While browsing, I noticed Spartan Race had a partnership with them. Both are similar: get muddy, get tired, complete obstacles, and finish a set distance. The main difference is in the structure and obstacle style. Something about Spartan Race just called to me. Why did I sign up? Because I'm bored. I wanted something exciting, something to keep me active and disciplined. I found a race that was happening in the middle of August, at Big White Ski Resort in Kelowna, British Columbia. So, I went and booked the flight and hotel.

Fast forward to the day before the race. After arriving to Kelowna International Airport , I picked up my rental car and started driving straight to the hotel at Big White Ski Resort . Not even ten minutes in, lightning struck about 100 meters away followed by heavy rain for about 15 minutes. Then out of nowhere, came sunshine and rainbows. Looks like just another day in Kelowna. The hotel was super comfy and cozy. Two nights cost around $550, but it was worth it since the race venue was only a two-minute drive away. Plus the breakfast sandwiches at the café were amazing!

The next day was race day. I was racing mostly for myself, not trying to compete with anyone else and survive. Everything I had trained for, all the runs and hill work, led to this moment. As I mentioned earlier, it was freezing cold. Standing at the start line, I felt a mix of nerves and excitement, but mostly excitement because I had no idea what was ahead, but only pain and suffering.

The first four kilometers felt great. I lost my shoe a few times, and I was having a blast. Everything went smoothly until the elevation got higher. The higher I climbed, the colder it got. The rain turned into hail, which I preferred because it stopped me from being drenched in rain. But my breathing grew heavy, a fellow Spartan reminded me to control it. That advice helped a lot.

The next few kilometers were rough. I was with a few others and one guy let out a huge burp and said, “There’s no manners out here,” which made me chuckle. Around seven kilometers in, my hands started freezing. My gloves were no match for the cold and wet. I couldn't even open my granola bar. Every three kilometers there was a water station that also served as a resting area. Thankfully one staff member let me warm my hands by the heater in his vehicle so I could finally eat something and have energy. I saw quite a few racers tapping out. The cold was brutal. There were still at least ten kilometers to go, including the infamous Death March. Heading downhill I saw a vehicle full of Spartans being transported out. I thought to myself, "Yoo, I'm out here".

I sprinted down the road and eventually caught up to a quiet group of Spartans making their way up from the Death March. About 30 of them, silent, except for the one guy laughing sarcastically. The trail took me from near the peak all the way down to the base of the mountain. I got through a few more obstacles and then it was time to go back up. The Death March had begun.

death march

When you think you have finished the march, there is more. This was when my legs really started cramping. Soaking wet, freezing, and climbing endlessly, I kept wondering when it would end. The incline just kept going higher, and higher, I just wanted it to end. Even though I was not at the peak, I stopped to take in the view. Trees everywhere, fog drifting through the forest. It was really pretty, even though I've seen stuff like this before. Soon, more than halfway up, a pathway opened to lead to the last five kilometers.

For about 30 minutes, I was completely alone except for staff and volunteers. Since I started in the second last wave, it felt like I might be the last on the course. Huge shout out to Jordan who I met during the race. You really helped me by giving electrolytes when I needed them most. I appreciate it! Around the last two kilometers, I ran through the ski resort village. It was like walking into a ghost town. Soon I reached the finish line cold, sore, hungry, and tired. Not gonna lie, quitting crossed my mind, but I was not about to spend nearly $1,500 just to give up. I reminded myself that the pain was temporary, and I was soon going to be at a place of comfort.

That night for dinner, I ate an entire pizza and fries. My appetite was next level. For the rest of the night, I did nothing and just rotted in bed.

overall review

This trip was an awesome experience overall. The race itself was brutal, but I pushed through and got it done and I knew quitting was not worth it, especially spending $1,500. To this day I look back and say to myself "Heck yeah, I did that." Including this one, I had done another 6 more of these Spartan Race adventures in the future, so 7 in total. I rank this adventure 5th place. But definitely 1st for the race difficulty.