The Spartan Beast Race – just the name itself invokes images of intense challenges, mud, sweat, and a whole lot of grit. As a newly found enthusiast of obstacle course races, I had always heard tales of the legendary Spartan events and the testing grounds they become for athletes and adventurers alike. But it wasn’t until I signed up for the 2024 Spartan Beast in Niigata, Japan, that I truly understood what it meant to be a Spartan.

Check out my previous blog post for hints and tips about unlocking your motivation here!

Niigata, a region known for its stunning landscapes, vibrant seasons and high-quality rice, might not be the first place you’d think of when it comes to extreme racing. But on the weekend of the event, Niigata turned into the perfect proving ground for the Spartan Beast—a grueling 21+ kilometer race with over 30 obstacles that challenge even the fittest of participants. Buckle up for a wild ride through my Spartan adventure!

The Build-Up: Preparing for the Beast

If you’ve ever done a Spartan race, you know that preparation is key. Leading up to the event, I committed myself to a rigorous training routine. I focused on endurance, strength, and a lot of grip work (because, spoiler alert, you’ll need those hands to hold on for dear life). I also sprinkled in a little bit of yoga for flexibility – after all, you never know when you might have to scale a wall or crawl under a barbed wire fence.

What a lot of people don’t realize, however, is just how much you need to mentally prepare. Sure, physically, making sure you are in decent shape, with muscles relaxed, stretched and ready to go is almost obvious. In addition to this, you also need to train your mind to handle the torture that awaits. For me, my mountain peak to conquer was coming up in November (see Spartan Ultra!), so this was nothing more than a stepping stone. A leg and soul crushing stepping stone of mighty proportions.

Race Day: A True Test of Grit

When race day finally arrived, it felt like a scene straight out of a warrior movie. The atmosphere was electric. Hundreds of Spartans—ranging from seasoned veterans to first-timers like myself—gathered at the start line. The iconic Spartan helmet was everywhere, and the energy was contagious. People were stretching, warming up, and hyping each other up for the race of a lifetime.

The Course: Nature Meets Challenge

The Spartan Beast course in Niigata took participants through some of the most picturesque mountain landscapes in Japan. Imagine running through dense woods with the smell of pine trees in the air, only to be confronted by an obstacle that requires you to climb a wall or crawl through a muddy trench. The beauty of the course contrasted sharply with the brutality of the race, and that’s part of what made the experience so memorable.

Now moving on the obstacles. Let’s break down a few of the obstacles that really made me question my life choices (in no particular order):

1. The water carry

This was one of the last obstacles and yet required both strength and a strong grip, neither of which I had remaining so late into the race. You have to carry 2 large containers filled with water which were probably at least 20 litres each around a muddy course of small up and down hills. The containers aren’t completely full so the water sloshes around like a Grimer in a washing machine and the handles are an awkward size, only adding to the difficulty. The trick? Lock arms out, keep your head up, squeeze for dear life and pray that you don’t slip in the mud and roll back down the hill. It’s one of those obstacles that makes you realize that you’re either a warrior or a mud-drenched mess. Spoiler: I was the latter.

2. The Spartan 8ft Wall

Walls are abundant on the courses of Spartan races. So much so that you might question why I have even decided to talk about it. Though this is no average wall, this is the 8ft wall that only appears in the Beast course, and it is mighty. This giant was also found late into the course and puts your tired leg muscles to the test. I jumped with all my remaining strength and managed to clamber to the top, though I paid the price for demanding such strength from my tired muscles. My legs instantly started to cramp and a sharp pain rushed through my lower body, leaving me writhing in pain at the top of this wall. The trick? Practice your running jump and ensure your packing plenty of salt tablets!

3. The Armer

This was the first time I had come across this obstacle, and it was as awkward as it sounded. The obstacle consisted of lifting and carrying a very large and heavy concrete ball from point A to B using the attached chain. Now, I realize many of the male readers may be like “Don’t worry, I’m used to carrying around heavy balls between my legs.”, but that wont help you here. The difficulty of this one came from the large size of the concrete ball, small handle and long chain. Not only does it turn your arms to jelly, it also makes you waddle as if you have just shit your pants.

4. The Spear Throw

Throwing a spear at a target—seemingly simple, right? Well, turns out, Its not. While this section is actually a welcome break from the physical and mental torture, it ends swiftly when you spiff the throw and miss the generously large target in front of you. However, do not fear, the embarrassment you feel will quickly fade as you are forced to pay the penalty of 30 burpees. So, there I was, in the middle of the race, doing burpees like they were going out of style. Its been a while since I last took a maths class, but 30 was more than I remembered. But hey, at least I got some bonus exercise.

5. The Atlas Carry

The name brings back memories of watching worlds strongest man on TV and seeing these goliath men pulling trucks and picking up boulders. This obstacle was indeed the latter and was nothing but simple. Pick up big heavy boulder, carry big heavy boulder, put down big heavy boulder. Its just as simple and just as difficult as it sounds. The trick? There isn’t one. Take a big breath in, grab and lift up the boulder and go to your happy place. Just pray you don’t drop this thing on your toes.

The real challenge of the Spartan Beast in Niigata wasn’t the obstacles—it was the mental toughness required to finish. There were moments when my body was screaming for me to stop, and every muscle in my body felt like it had been put through a meat grinder. But the Spartan mentality is all about pushing through that discomfort.

There were times when my body had just had enough, but I kept reminding myself that this was all part of the experience. The feeling of crossing the finish line after 21 kilometers of pain, perseverance, and community was worth every single second. And let’s not forget the infamous Spartan finisher medal—the best reward for one of the hardest races I’d ever run.

The Spartan Spirit: Camaraderie and Community

One thing I learned during my time on the course is that Spartan races aren’t just about the individual—they’re about the community. From the fellow racers who offered a hand when I was struggling to the volunteers who cheered us on through every obstacle, the sense of camaraderie was overwhelming.

It’s easy to get lost in the grind and think that you’re all alone in this race, but the Spartan community is incredibly supportive. Everyone is there to help each other, whether it’s giving advice, lending a hand, or simply offering words of encouragement when you’re at your lowest.

As I crossed the finish line, I felt a rush of emotions. Exhaustion, relief, pride, and even a little bit of disbelief that I had actually completed the Spartan Beast. But more than anything, I felt a sense of accomplishment. I had completed a grueling challenge and I was proud of myself. And as I stood there, gasping for breath, I was handed my Spartan medal—a tangible reminder of my hard work and determination.

What I Learned from the Spartan Beast Race in Niigata

Reflecting on the experience, I came to a few conclusions:

• Mental Toughness is Key: The physical obstacles are tough, but it’s the mental game that really tests you. The Spartan Beast forces you to dig deep and find strength you didn’t know you had.
• Teamwork Makes the Dream Work: You can’t do it alone. The Spartan community is built on helping each other out, whether it’s offering a hand over a wall or pushing each other to the finish line.
• Every Obstacle is a Lesson: Every obstacle, no matter how difficult, is a lesson in resilience. Whether you conquer it on the first try or have to fail and try again, you’ll come out of it stronger.

Final Thoughts

The Spartan Beast Race in Niigata, Japan, was an unforgettable experience that tested every aspect of my physical and mental fortitude. From the jaw-dropping landscapes to the brutal obstacles, it was an adventure I will cherish until well next year when I will probably run it again. If you’re ever considering signing up for a Spartan race (especially the Beast), my advice is simple: Do it. Prepare, push yourself, and most importantly, embrace the Spartan spirit. Find your race today using this link!

So, when the 2025 Spartan Beast rolls around, you know where I’ll be. Will I be ready? You bet I will. Because once you’ve crossed that finish line, there’s no going back—you’re a Spartan for life.

That’s it for my spartan beast article, but please stay tuned for an overview of my final challenge, the Spartan Ultra which will be held in Fiji! More pain and suffering to come!