Knox hosting Spartan Race in July

Fort Knox, Ky. - On July 22, 2017, Fort Knox will become the fifth Army installation to host what is known as the most arduous and challenging obstacle--the Spartan Race. Fifty-eight Spartan Race weekend events are held across the U.S. each year

Since 2012 Spartan Race Inc. has held nine races on four different military installations which included Fort Bragg, North Carolina; Fort Campbell, Kentucky; Fort Benning, Georgia; and Fort Carson, Colorado--which was the first Army installation to hold a Spartan Race.

Mark Wicker, chief of Fort Knox Family and Morale, Welfare and Recreation's Community Recreation Division, said the Spartan Race Inc. company has been reaching out to many military installations to see if they would be interested in hosting an event because the Spartan culture and ethos are very similar to military ethos. He added that it's a really good partnership with military installations and Spartan.

Erica Walker, director of U.S. events and operations for Spartan Race Inc., said Spartan Race is excited about the opportunity to reach up and coming ROTC professionals on Fort Knox for Cadet Summer Training and to support their frame of reference for fitness, healthy lifestyles, teamwork and grit.

Since it's a grueling course some might believe the race is only for those who are physically fit but Walker said that's not true.

"Spartan is for everyone from the novice athletes to elite pro-team obstacle course racers," explained Walker. "Our mission is to be able to rip everyone off the couch and get them excited about fitness. We have 4 to 94 year olds on our courses. Veterans, amputees, terminally ill patients and survivors. We have teams and individuals--there is no perfect racer--just awesome Spartans."

Walker added that the race is a huge celebration of all fitness levels. There is some mud, jogging or running, lots of terrain, outdoors, obstacles, a few walls, some barb wire crawls and lots of adult jungle gyms.

Although the race includes events that are similar to other races, Walker said it's different because Spartan is a lifestyle brand.

"We have establishing goals for athletes," she said. "Everyone can work toward their trifecta (which is to) complete all three race events--sprint, super and beast in the same calendar year. (They can also work toward) delta (which is to) complete all Spartan Races, endurance events and education classes in the same calendar year."

Wicker pointed out that there will be a one-half to 2-mile course for children 4-14 years old.

Wicker said Fort Knox was chosen as one of the sites because of its topography, how little must be done to build the obstacles and its close proximity to larger metropolitan areas. The chosen site on Fort Knox won't affect Cadet Summer Training mission either, which encompasses up to 9,000 cadets going through leadership and tactical training. The race will be held in the Fort Knox training range complex.

Walker said Spartan has a 14-day build cycle for the obstacles.

"First you will see trailer sets, then you will see staff about six days before the event the magic of build begins," Walker said. "The event is conducted using over 300 volunteers and 40 staff members in a very finely conducted orchestra of logistics and event operations. When the lights go down the production team begins pulling the footprint up immediately. From trash to obstacle removal to earth repairs and seeding, Spartan prides (itself) on remediation that leaves the grounds in most cases better than when we arrived."

Walker and Wicker said the race will partner with the Directorate of Emergency Services for site security and traffic and parking control. Wicker said the Directorate of Public Works will ensure there aren't any negative impacts on the environment and the Medical Activity Department will make the necessary food inspections.

Prior to the main event, Spartan will hold a workout tour May 20, 2017 as part of building anticipation for the July race, said Wicker.

"The workout tour is a two-hour body weight exercise event," explained Walker. "It is designed to get the community excited and geared up for the race. It lets Spartans get to know Spartans (by) bringing the athletes of all capabilities together for a healthy event that they can relate to, (and) laugh through and learn new ways to get out of your comfort zone in your own backyard."

The race will be open to the general public. Wicker said he believes the race will have a tremendous economic impact on the communities.

"We anticipate the economic impact (will be about) $3.8-$4 million," Wicker said.

He added that the race is also a great opportunity to promote the Army's priority of resiliency among troops and their Families. It also provides a chance for elite athletes to compete against the clock for time and points while others can use the race for teambuilding.

Since the race is held during the peak of CST, Wicker said cadets will have a chance to participate and he anticipates about 3,000 cadets will sign up to compete.

The Spartan Race is going to be slightly different than the annual concerts and July 4 events because the race will use fewer garrison resources because Spartan is responsible for the entire event. Wicker anticipates there will be about 6,000 to 10,000 participants in the race.

"(It's) an opportunity for FMWR," he said. "We have a contract with Spartan and Spartan pays us a certain amount of funds in 3,000 segments. If they need equipment, they would (use post resources) first. If they need excavation, they do it themselves or hire a local contractor."

Registration for the workout tour can be completed by visiting www.Spartan.com as well. Registration is free to everyone who signs up. All ages are welcome.

Registration for the race is open to individuals and teams at www.Spartan.com. Once registration prices open everyone can use the code FORTKNOX17 for 20 percent off. Military and other qualified registered users can purchase their race ticket through govx.com and receive 25 percent off.

Walker encourages everyone to come out and participate in the race.

"Change your frame of reference," she said. "Do something great for yourself and bring the entire family."