Spartan Honor Series Returns to Military Bases | Sports Destination Management

Spartan Honor Series Returns to Military Bases

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Jun 14, 2018

Spartan announced the return of its popular “Honor Series” with new presenting sponsor USAA, bringing the Spartan’s signature obstacle races to military installations across the country. Unfolding across four U.S. Army bases and training grounds and three new satellite locations, the “Spartan Honor Series Presented by USAA” challenges civilians to join the world’s best soldiers to conquer military-style obstacles across the Spartan’s four signature race formats – the “Sprint,” “Super,” “Beast” and “Ultra.”
 
“We’re proud to partner with USAA, a brand who exclusively serves those who selflessly defend our freedoms,” said Spartan founder and CEO Joe De Sena. “The Honor Series was created to pay tribute to members of the U.S. Armed Forces, and together with USAA and thousands of racers, we will honor servicemen and women across this great nation.”
 
USAA proudly serves current and former U.S. military members and their families as a provider of insurance, banking, investments and retirement products.
 
“Competitive spirit and a desire to be the best are common traits among those who serve and defend our nation,” said Eric Engquist, USAA vice president and former U.S. Army officer. “The Spartan Honor Series Presented by USAA brings elite-level challenges to service members’ doorsteps, allowing them to compete alongside their civilian counterparts and highlights the many unique talents of America’s military community.”
 
The “Spartan Honor Series presented by USAA” began April 14 at Fort Benning on the Georgia/Alabama state line with the “Spartan Ranger Challenge Sprint,” where the gritty Spartan obstacle race merges with the U.S. Army’s 35th annual “Best Ranger” competition, a grueling test of strength and shear will that separates the best of the best in all of the U.S. military. In addition to Spartan participants conquering the three to five-mile, 20 to 25 obstacle Sprint race, the course becomes a part of the three-day competition for the military’s elite, seeing the Best Ranger hopefuls throwing spears, powering through bucket carries, crawling under the barbed wire and jumping through the fire that Spartan events are known for. Following Fort Benning, additional dates/locations of the “Spartan Honor Series presented by USAA” include:

  • July 14: Fort Knox (KY) – Sprint race

  • August 25: West Point (NY) – Sprint race

  • September 22: Nashville, TN – Super and Sprint races

  • October 27: Dallas, TX – Sprint, Beast and Ultra races

The Super is 8 to 10 miles with more than 25 obstacles, the Beast is 12 to 14 miles with more than 25 obstacles and the Ultra is a true test of endurance with more than 30 miles of terrain more than 60 obstacles. Each location also features a Spartan Kids event for young racers ages four to 14.
 
Competitors who cross the finish line receive a special Honor Series Medal. Between March 15 and 29, $20 from each registration wase donated to the OSCAR MIKE Foundation, which is dedicated to keeping Veterans active, and those registrants received a special edition OSCAR MIKE Spartan t-shirt.
 
Courtesy of USAA, current/former military members and first-responders and current USAA members can receive a 25% discount on race registration through ID.me. Also, parking and spectator passes are free for those with a valid military ID or USAA card.
 
The “Spartan Honor Series Presented by USAA” is the latest series of the 2018 Spartan season to be announced. Spartan’s expanded Global Championship Series unfolds across 5 continents leading to the Spartan World Championship in Lake Tahoe, CA. The returning Stadium Series unfolds across the storied grounds of America’s most beloved ballparks and stadiums and the new Mountain Series Presented by the U.S. Air Force tests the strengths and stamina of competitors on treacherous trails with more than 29,000 feet of combined elevation across five races.
 
About USAA: The USAA family of companies provides insurance, banking, investments, retirement products and advice to more than 12 million current and former members of the U.S. military and their families. Known for its legendary commitment to its members, USAA is consistently recognized for outstanding service, employee well-being and financial strength. USAA membership is open to all who are serving our nation in the U.S. military or have received a discharge type of Honorable - and their eligible family members. Founded in 1922, USAA is headquartered in San Antonio. For more information about USAA, follow us on Facebook or Twitter (@USAA), or visit usaa.com.
 
About Spartan: Spartan Race is the world’s largest obstacle race and endurance brand, and the first in-sport to feature timing and global rankings. With more than 200 events across more than 30 countries in 2018, Spartan Race will attract more than one million global participants offering open heats for all fitness levels, along with competitive and elite heats. The Spartan Race lifestyle boasts a community of more than five million passionate social media followers, health and wellness products, training and nutrition programs, and a popular NBC television series, which has made obstacle racing one of the fastest growing sports in the world. Spartan Race events feature races at three distances, 3+Mile/20+ Obstacle “Sprint,” 8+ Mile/25+ Obstacle “Super” and 12+ Mile/30+ Obstacle “Beast,” culminating in the Spartan Race World Championship. Visit http://www.spartan.com for more information and registration.

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