Reaching the pinnacle of competition and smashing an obstacle course race on a regional- or world-champion caliber stage is a top-tier feeling. Your endorphins are high, the scenery is spectacular, and you’re surrounded by some of the most motivated, dedicated, and badass people on the planet. But when you power through the finish line and hang your shiny hardware across your sore, tired shoulders, shake away the feeling that all the weekend’s good times are said and done. You’re just getting started. 

Beyond the exhilarating rush of the course, every Spartan championship is a chance to see a new corner of the globe; discover new cultures, cuisines and landscapes; and make new lifelong camarades with whom to conquer future championships. 

From the 100M and Sprint World Championship in Hvar, Croatia, all the way to the Ultra World Championship in Morzine, France and every distance in between, here’s why you should not only add these races to your schedule this year – but also stick around for some sightseeing and recreation, too. 

Spartan Championships with Vacation-Worthy Views, Eats and Experiences 

World’s Toughest Mudder, Grantham, Lincolnshire, UK – June 28-29, 2025

For the first time ever outside of the United States, the most extreme, heart-pumping, 24-hour obstacle course event on the planet, World’s Toughest Mudder, will make its UK debut this June at Belvoir Castle in Grantham. We know you’ll be exhausted after 24 hours of toughness, but before you think about heading straight home, consider that the Belvoir Castle’s expansive grounds and surrounding areas offer some of the richest architecture, history, and just plain, old-fashioned family fun. Surrounding the castle, Engine Yard features weekend pastimes and libations within minutes of one another, and you can enjoy a proper English breakfast and live music at the Belvoir Bistro, sift through seasonal specialties from the Belvoir Farmshop, and take the entire family to Belvoir’s Adventure Playground – a four-acre playground for kids (and – of course – those who are still kids at heart).  

Seen too much of these grounds after 24 hours and looking for more of a get away? We’ve got you covered. There are dozens of day trips, experiences, tours, and other nearby attractions – most under £50 – on which you and your squad can embark, from zoos and aquariums to pub and castle tours, the historic British Motor Museum, coach tours covering Shakespeare’s birthplace and Oxford, bread-making workshops, a Cadbury chocolate factory tour, and so much more.

Morzine Ultra World Championship, Morzine, France – July 5, 2025

If you’re an endurance addict, France’s only Ultra beckons you to Morzine this summer. Nestled in the heart of the majestic French Alps within the French-Swiss Portes du Soleil mountainbiking and ski area, you’ll conquer over 30 breathtaking miles of unforgettable vistas, towering peaks and rugged trails – but the adventuring and sightseeing has only just begun. 

Just 15 minutes from your finish line victory, a free shuttle delivers adventure seekers to the picturesque Mines d´Or Lake, where you can hike, fish and indulge in a well-earned meal at the Mines d'Or restaurant to the tune of sparkling blue water and snow-capped mountains. Experience the ultimate vantage point on the season’s opening weekend at the Alps overlook, the Pointe de Nyon: Le Pas de l’Aigle, and dive into the heart of Morzine village at Dérêches Park, where recreation – including horseback riding, swimming, adventure trails and more – abounds.

Plus, mountain bikers around the world consider Morzine’s MTB trails to offer some of the ultimate, heart-pounding lines (and you can book your lift tickets ahead of time online). If you’re a well-rounded outdoor enthusiast and are already jumping at the bit to try all of the above, Portes du Soleil offers a wallet-friendly pass to help you conquer it all – no matter how long or short your stay. 

Spartan Kids World Championship, Chongli, China – Aug. 16-17, 2025

Bring your badass kids to conquer Chongli, China’s championship Kids course – a 3-5K challenge of skill, strength, and spirit set against a dramatic backdrop of majestic mountains, expansive fields, and dizzying inclines, all at over 1,500 meters elevation. But after the glory is earned, we’ve got you covered for family-friendly activities all weekend (or week) long.

Chongli is one of China’s premier ski destinations, so you’ll get your fair share of alpine meadows, dense pine forests, and mountain air just steps from the finish line. But you’ll also be just under three hours from Beijing, where you can visit the absolutely breathtaking Forbidden City, the most famous palace in Chinese history. (We bet you’ll recognize it!) Visit the preserved ancient wooden structures and the vast, cacophonous halls and palaces that have housed two dozen Emperors before heading over to the Mutianyu section of the Great Wall to see its 22 original towers. Don’t miss a trip to Tiananmen Square, either: The world-famous plaza measuring over 1 million feet that’s not only the largest open-air square on the planet, but your kids will probably recognize its significance from history books. 

Plus, if you and your little Spartans aren’t quite tapped on energy, there are plenty of iconic cycling routes around the city to help you get immersed in Chinese culture with the wind in your hair.

Lahti Spartan Beast European Championship, Lahti, Finland – Aug. 23, 2025

Lahti, Finland and its surrounding areas are breeding grounds for world-class athletes. Yes, really: There are two Olympic (and Paralympic) training centers nearby – the Finnish Olympic Training Center Vierumäki and the Olympic and Paralympic Training Center Pajulahti, where you can actually book a stay if you want to feel inspired to smash this championship weekend. 

Surrounded by towering pines and sparkling blue lakes, Salpausselkä Geopark boasts what just may be the most gorgeous Beast on which you’ll ever embark: Finland’s best-known geological entity features densely tree-covered ice-marginal formations that cut through crystal-blue waters and connect the picturesque Kelvenne Island to the Pulkkilanharju Esker in Päijänne National Park. From caves to rugged cliffs and rocky islets, the geopark’s landscape will truly be unlike any you’ve ever experienced. 

You definitely cannot miss out on taking the ski lift to the top of the Lahti Ski Jump Tower Viewing Deck, where you can not only soak up an unbeatable view of Lake Vesijärvi, but you might just catch some elite-level ski jumping. (Yes, even in the summer!) Head down to Vesijärvi’s shores and harbors afterwards for a refreshing dip, or recover like a pro at one of Mukkula Manor’s lakeside saunas with your whole crew. You earned it. 

Looking to explore more of what Lahti itself has to offer? There are enough restaurants, breweries, shops, and bars to keep you busy for weeks. 

2025 West Virginia Spartan Trifecta World Championship, West Virginia, USA – Sept. 5-7, 2025

Completing a Spartan Trifecta is one of the most coveted accomplishments in the endurance and obstacle course racing world. But conquering a complete Trifecta in one weekend, surrounded by some of our most electric energy of the year and etching your name into the Trifecta tribe for the rest of history? An unforgettable, life-changing event – especially at one of our racer-favorite venues in West Virginia: Summit Bechtel Reserve.

Its 10,000 acres are the perfect place to train future scouts and to test present Spartans, with steep hills, unpredictable terrain, and slick water features. All of this rugged topography isn’t just a playground for racers; You and your whole squad can rock climb, mountain bike, zipline, ride ATVs, and scale rope courses to your heart’s content, right on the property. And if you’re feeling like venturing out, the area boasts some of the most heart-pounding whitewater rafting around. (We recommend checking out any of these: Gauley Season, ACE Adventure Resort, Adventures on the Gorge, or River Expeditions.) 

And it doesn’t stop there. West Virginia is full of nature trails (this one is great if you want to see waterfalls) and National and State Parks. Don’t miss a trip to any or all of New River Gorge National Park & Preserve, Hawks Nest State Park, Babcock State Park, and/or Kanawha State Forest for more great views and great outdoors, and Charleston, WV is just an hour’s drive if you’re craving a bit of a downtown feel. 

2025 Seattle Spartan Pan American Championship, Washington, USA – Sept. 13-14, 2025

Just a week later and a trek across the U.S., the Seattle Spartan Pan American Championship – a half-marathon Beast challenge with 30 signature obstacles – is going down just outside of Historic Downtown Snohomish, Washington. This tiny, lovable, riverside town is a gem of the Pacific Northwest, situated just off the sparkling Puget Sound and backdropped by the stunning Cascade Mountains. If you’re looking for an eclectic and historic place to unwind after laying it all out on the course, there are plenty of homey and wholesome restaurants and taphouses, antique stores, and carefully curated boutiques right downtown. Any aviation buffs in your crew? Hit up the Boeing Future of Flight right in town for interactive and immersive experiences, programs, and tours – plus some pretty epic planespotting. And just 15 minutes away, the charming Everett Farmer's Market is happening every Sunday. 

Seattle is also only 45 minutes away by car, and if you haven’t been, it’s a must. Think: Steep city streets, the renowned Pike Place Market, and – of course – the Space Needle. And if you’re searching for more outdoor adventure, look no further. 

The PNW is home to some of the most breathtaking natural wonders in North America, and in Snohomish, it’s all at your fingertips. Like a salty breeze? Take the Mukilteo or Edmonds ferry routes across the Salish Sea (you can even drive your car onto the ferry) to experience island life. If you arrive a week early, Mukilteo will be hosting their Lighthouse Festival from Sept. 5-7. North Cascades National Park is also under two hours from Snohomish, and if you enjoy hiking, camping, fishing, or seeing otherwise rare wildlife (bring your bear spray!), this is one drive you’ll never regret. 

2025 Mammoth Spartan Super World Championship, California, USA – Oct. 4-5, 2025

Come earn your runner’s high at this high-altitude, fast-paced, inaugural world championship in the unforgettable Sierra Nevada Mountains of Mammoth Lakes. Sitting at just under 8,000 feet, the idyllic village is just a 40-minute, scenic drive from Bishop International Airport or under three hours from Reno-Tahoe International Airport. (If you need any pointers getting to town or finding a place to stay once you’re there, we’ve got you covered.)

Over 100,000 years ago, the volcano that would – after several phases of eruption and growth – become Mammoth Mountain erupted, and has since formed into the ideal landscape in the sky for skiing, hiking, mountain biking, and more. With over 100 highly-rated, alpine hikes ranging from easy to hard, a system of demanding mountain biking lines up to 10 miles long (not to mention Mammoth Mountain’s very own 80+ mile bike park, featuring technical trails and a lift), and a gondola that takes you to the 11,000-foot summit for views, eats, and an interactive interpretive center, you’ll never run out of adventure. Plus, Mammoth Brewing Company has trivia night every Tuesday and you can join in on a free, public sauna or cold plunge session on Thursday nights. 

Still not sure what you really want to make time for this race weekend? Use Mammoth Lakes’ trip planner to tailor an itinerary that’s perfect for you and your crew.

Spartan Race Hvar 100 Meter & Sprint World Championship 2025, Hvar, Croatia – Oct. 10-12, 2025

This weekend – with its 100-meter and Sprint 5K championship races – will be fast and furious, and you’ll be tearing up the rocky, technical streets of this Croatian city. But once you’ve crossed the finish line, we’re practically begging you to slow down and look around: The vibrant colors of sparkling water and lavender fields, the absolutely magazine-worthy beaches, the lush vineyards, the towering historic fortresses, and much more – you CANNOT beat this location.

Hvar has a rich history dating back to prehistoric times, and you can still discover traces of it back to 4 B.C. in the Grapčeva cave. If you’re really into history, you won’t want to miss a trip to Hvar’s many fortresses and lodges from the island’s former Venetian rule (City Lodge and City Fortress are great picks), as well as St. Stephen's Cathedral – a former Benedictine monastery built between the 16th and 18th centuries – and the Hvar Arsenal and theatre, which was formerly a 14th-century shipyard and now serves as Europe’s first municipal theater.

You’ll also want to head down to St. Stephen's Square (better known as Pjaca) for some extremely vibrant nightlife. Built in the 15th century as a port, you can now pop in and out of beachfront nightclubs all night long. If you’re looking for more nature and less people, take a trip to the remote, fine sand-covered Jagodna Bay, where your whole family can swim in turquoise water, surrounded by the picturesque villages of Sveta Nedalja and Ivan Dolac and towering cliffsides. The Pakleni Islands – known for crystal-clean water and beaches, kayaking, paddleboarding, beachside dining, snorkeling, and more – are also just a 10-20-minute boat ride away, and you can rent a boat, take a water taxi, or just paddle on over yourself! 

2025 Porac Spartan APAC Championship, Porac, Philippines – Nov. 8-9, 2025

If you can handle the heat, this weekend will be one for the books. Start in Porac and embark on a journey to Alviera and Pampanga, where you’ll get a nice glimpse of history, nature, and adventure all together. Explore the magnificent Mount Pinatubo – an active stratovolcano that’s surrounded by some of the bluest water you can imagine – and challenge yourself to a challenging 7-miler with 2,000 feet of gain. You’ll probably earn a hearty appetite, so it’s worth noting that Porac and Clark have weekend food markets that will have you feeling like a local and coming back for more.

For a deeper look into Filipino culture, plan a trip to Nayong Pilipino, a series of cultural parks showcasing replicas of the country’s historic national landmarks, indigenous villages, and traditional performances. And if you’ve got little Spartans in your crew, definitely don't miss a chance to visit Dinosaurs Island, a theme park that comes alive in a Jurassic realm and is certain to spark any future Spartan’s adventurous spirit. 

Spartan Beast World Championship, Abu Dhabi – Nov. 20-23, 2025

The world’s toughest, most undeterred Spartans have been making the pilgrimage to the vast, dizzying, intoxicating desert of Al Wathba, Abu Dhabi, UAE for years, and despite the glaring sun, the calf-burning dunes, and the intensity of this world-championship Beast course, they just keep coming back. This November, test your grit in a half-marathon challenge like you’ve never seen before. You might even get a glimpse of the sport’s top Elite racers battling it out for global glory at Sunday’s 3K Elite World Championship – the annual culmination of the fastest, most intense race in obstacle course racing. 

The course itself – not unlike running on the beach… and up a mountain… and in a sauna… at the same time – is reason enough to make the international trek from anywhere in the world, but the cultural immersion you’ll have at your fingertips all weekend truly is the cherry on top. Al Wathba Luxury Resort is a serene desert escape where timeless Arabian charm meets modern luxury. Offering bespoke experiences, world-class dining, and tranquil spa retreats, it’s the ultimate destination for unforgettable stays in the heart of Abu Dhabi’s golden dunes.

Seemingly a world away from the dunes, experience absolute serenity with the sparkling water and lush greenery of Mangrove National Park, where you can boat, birdwatch, and even book an overnight stay, and ride a mountain bike (or, yes, even a camel) or camp around the Jebel Hafit Desert Park, where archaeological remains  of the Neolithic period from 8,000 years ago are still popping up, just an hour and a half away. For the little ones and animal lovers in your Spartan squad, the wildlife at Sir Bani Yas Island is unbeatable. 

Plus, you’ll be just a 30-minute drive from the UAE’s capital, Abu Dhabi, where you can check out the city’s oldest stone building, Qasr Al Hosn, discover the unique and immersive exhibits at Louvre Abu Dhabi, and visit the Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque – one of the world’s largest mosques known for its majestic architecture. 

2025 DEKA World Championships, Fort Lauderdale, Florida, USA – Dec. 5-7, 2025

If you earn a top 15 Elite, Age Group, Ruck or Teams spot on the 2025 DEKA Global Leaderboard from a qualifying DEKA FIT event before September 15, 2025, congratulations: You’ve got your ticket to one of the most electric, demanding and fun functional fitness events in the world, the DEKA World Championships. Hybrid athletes from all over the globe will compete for three days in Fort Lauderdale, Florida to determine not just who’s the fastest or strongest, but who is truly the most versatile athlete across the leaderboard. Once we’ve got our answer? Well, the fun is just getting started. 

Fort Lauderdale boasts over 300 miles of scenic inland waterways and canals, and is thus aptly named the “Venice of America.” And, if you’re hailing from anywhere where December is nearly unbearably cold (a good part of the USA), how can you say no to a beautiful, sun-drenched, seven-mile stretch of white sand and clear blue ocean? Don’t just cool off in the water after your event – Test the waters with jet skiing, snorkeling, and paddleboarding, then take a stroll or a leisurely bike along the town’s scenic beachfront promenade to top off a perfect day. 

If you're looking to see more of the city, check out Las Olas Boulevard. Lined with over 100 diverse stores, charming cafés, bistros, art galleries, and jewelry stores, Fort Lauderdale’s “most vibrant community” offers an idyllic beachy charm complete with the Fort Lauderdale Riverwalk – a tranquil and picturesque trail along the New River – that passes historical homes and modern condos, weaving you toward the ocean to see all that the Arts and Entertainment District has to offer.

Finally, don’t miss a trip to Everglades National Park (especially if you have little Spartans in your group – just keep them away from the gators…), an absolutely iconic National Park you’ve likely seen in magazines, offering airboat tours, kayaking, and a chance to spot alligators, Florida panthers, and go birding for hours on end. Looking for more of a luxury sendoff? The bustling Port Everglades has plenty of cruises for your whole crew.