Reading Time: 8 Minutes
October 15th - 20th, 2025
My 7th Spartan Race! What an expensive hobby, but absolutely worth it. This trip ended up being the longest one I’ve done so far. Normally I keep my races to about three or four days, but because of limited transportation to Spartan Race Blue Mountain, I extended it to six days. I probably could have trimmed it down to four days, but I had never explored outside of British Columbia before, so it turned out to be a great opportunity to explore Toronto. This is also where my dad was born and raised.
I arrived at Toronto Pearson Airport on Wednesday, October 15th 2025, at night. Thankfully, my hotel was only a five-minute ride away. The Quality Inn Toronto Airport turned out to be the best budget hotel I’ve stayed in. I’m usually not too focused on room quality, but more on the overall vibe and what the hotel has to offer. If I can get both comfort and good energy on a budget, that’s a win, and this hotel definitely delivered.
The hotel had a cozy bar that never felt overcrowded, a small convenience store, and a restaurant with TVs. I mention the TVs because the Toronto Blue Jays were still in the MLB postseason against the Seattle Mariners. The excitement was contagious, and the energy carried through the rest of my trip.
Woke up nice and early to explore Downtown Toronto! Like any tourist visiting the city, I had to check out the iconic CN Tower. From the train, I could see it in the distance, which felt a little surreal actually. Then finally standing directly underneath a landmark you’ve only ever seen in pictures and videos, it was a cool feeling. The view from the top was amazing, and reminded me how lucky I am to live in such a beautiful and safe country. I would have loved to climb the stairs, but only the elevator is allowed, which would have been a fun.
Next stop: Hockey Hall of Fame. I’m not the biggest hockey fan, but whether you love the sport or not, it’s worth a visit. The artifacts and history were impressive, and I almost wish I loved hockey as much as I love basketball. I would have been fully into it with foam coming out of my mouth, and stars popping out of my eyes.
Last stop: Little Canada. This museum is filled with miniature cities that come to life with day and night cycles, moving vehicles, and small historical details. Seeing Vancouver recreated in miniature was neat. Definitely one of the most unique tourist attractions I’ve visited through my adventures.
Outside CN Tower
Inside CN Tower
Hockey Hall Of Fame
Little Canada
The next day Friday morning, it was time to take the shuttle bus to Collingwood, just outside the Blue Mountains, where Spartan Race Blue Mountain would be happening. The town was peaceful and calm, especially in light rain, with very few cars on the road. For some reason it reminds me of Paris, even though I've never been. I spent the day relaxing at the library while waiting to check into my hotel, and then ate at Boston Pizza for dinner. No, I did not eat an entire box of pizza, like I did for Spartan Race Washington. But this time I ate smart, pasta for the carbohydrate and a caesar salad.
Saturday, October 18th, 6:00AM, finally race day! The course map was brutal as usual. We had to climb up and down a ski hill at least six times, not counting all the smaller inclines. Hydration and electrolytes were essential for this one if your legs wanted to keep up. This level was to be expected. Any Spartan Races that are located in a ski resorts like Spartan Race Vermont or Spartan Race Morzine, always expect multiple high climbing elevations.
Spartan Race Ontario Map
This race was also part of the Canada National Series which made it even more exciting. The medals were different from the regular ones you usually get at the end of a race. A nice touch that made the challenge feel even more special. The weather was also warm, almost like summer. The race started on an incline, of course. I quickly realized that my legs were going to be tested right from the beginning. I had to focus on pacing myself and keeping my breathing under control.
Spartan 2025 Beast Medal
Canada 2025 Series Medal
I didn't expect this to be a little challenging for me, but downhill descents were tricky for me. It was more mental than physical. I went down them a little slower than most Spartans, due to the fear of rolling my ankles. I had rolled my ankle on a hike before, and was sent to the hospital. I wasn't traumatized or anything, and thank the lord it was covered, and I got free McDonald's. But it was always on the back of my mind. I remember one slope was like on an 80-degree angle. A fellow racer next to me laughed and said, “What were they thinking?” It really summed up the challenge. If only it had been raining, going down the mountain would’ve felt like a giant waterslide.
Whenever we have to go up the ski hill again. Just looking at it felt exhausting. I saw quite a few Spartans flat on their backs completely wiped out due to cramps. But no matter what, you have to keep moving forward. Don’t stop, don’t let your body relax, and push through the fatigue to keep that blood pumping. A cool part of the race was running through Blue Mountain Village. Dodging the crowd, weaving between buildings, hearing the music, and tackling the obstacles, it really added to the experience. You almost try not to embarrass yourself on the obstacles, but the energy of the village makes it unforgettable.
By the finish line, I was surprised to still have plenty of energy. I think it was thanks to the acupuncture I had taken a week earlier. Normally my legs are heavy after a workout, but not this time. With plenty of time left in the day, I decided to explore the mountain, munch on some popcorn, as I reflect a little on all the other Spartan Races. For dinner that night, a box of pepperoni pizza and Italian cheesebread from Little Caesars.
I had raced in seven Spartan Races between 2024 & 2025, they were incredible, But Toronto really delivered. Both the race and the city itself stand out on my list. The combination of challenging hills, beautiful scenery, and the city energy made this one unforgettable. Who knows what’s next? Maybe one day I’ll step outside of North America and conquer these races across the world, that would be a next level adventure.