Conquer the Spartan Race in Japan

This year is Japan’s third hosting the Spartan Race. It’s a popular obstacle course race that’s been held around the world but is still new to the Land of the Rising Sun. It is a race which physically and mentally challenges its participants to tread long distances and complete various obstacles throughout the journey.

Expect to climb ropes, crawl through thick mud, carry heavy sandbags and jump over various walls of different heights and sizes. All of these with the backdrop of the country’s beautiful parks and forests. Traveling to the different Japanese cities hosting Spartan Race events is one of the things I love about racing.

In 2017, I completed my first Spartan Sprint, a shorter, albeit not any easier, course held in Tokyo. Running miles in a national forest was filled with all the challenges you’d expect with the bonus of inclement weather.

This past December, my wife and I traveled to Sendai to conduct a stadium race that was just as amazing. Both events were filled with high energy and positive encouragement. You can expect to hear other racers and event volunteers to cheer you on and greet you an assuring “GANBATTE” as you traverse through the course route.

The Spartan Race is challenging, but not impossible. What’s nice is that it has varying levels of difficulty to complete. Japan has hosted Spartan Sprints (3 miles), Supers (8 miles) and Stadium Sprints. This year will see the first Spartan Beast (13 miles) race held in Japan. You can compete competitively or simply engage in the open races for fun.
The Spartan even has events for children. Similar to a fun race in a regular run, there’s a special course for children to get in on the action.

I’d encourage you to build a team and attack the Spartan Race as a group, but going it alone is also a great option. As a solo racer you meet new people and make new friends through the camaraderie of completing tasks together. Spartan Race Japan plans on hosting 3 races this year, including its first Spartan Beast. Set a goal and make it happen.

For more information on Spartan Race Japan, visit http://www.spartanrace.jp/en.

Hit the Race
- Spartan Sprint/Spartan Super/Kids Race in Chiba
The Sprint is a race spanning 3 miles and 20 obstacles. The Super spans 8 miles and 25 obstacles.
When: May 18, 2019. 
Where: Country Farm Tokyo German Village, Doitsu Mura 419 Nagayoshi Sodegaura-shi, Chiba-ken 299-0204
Note: Most races have already closed to participants, but spectator tickets are still available and kids race participant entries are still available.
Information: https://www.spartanrace.jp/en/race/detail/5148/overview?filter=sprint&index=0

- Spartan Sprint/Kids Race in Aizu
When: July 6, 2019
Where: Aizuwakamatsu, Fukushima Prefecture
How much: From 13,000 to 17,000 yen ($116 to 153) for Sprint. 3,000 yen for Kids Race. Slots are still available. 
Information: https://www.spartanrace.jp/en/race/detail/5337/overview?filter=sprint&index=0