5 Epic Spartan 'Racecations' That Are Perfect for the Entire Family
Spartan founder and CEO Joe De Sena likes to say that vacations suck. No, he doesn't mean that you're not entitled to relax a bit, take a break from work, and step away from the screen. You can, and should, do all of those things. But sitting on a beach for a week, eating poorly, and sleeping 12 hours a night? That's not the Spartan way. That's not a Spartan vacation.
A Spartan vacation, or a "racecation," as we like to call it, blends leisure with adventure, exploration, and stimulation. Racecations, where you combine a Spartan race weekend with a family vacation, are ideal family getaways. It's a prime opportunity to spend quality time with your kids, push your body physically, test yourself mentally, and experience some of the most stunning, historically significant locations in the country.
Related: 37 Outdoor Races and Endurance Events You HAVE to Do This Summer
The full schedule is loaded with epic racecation destinations. With so many options to choose from, it can be overwhelming. To make it easier, we chose some of our top picks. Check out the races and the surrounding areas below, and start planning your next racecation.
5 Epic Spartan Racecations
Utah Spartan Trifecta Weekend (Huntsville, UT) - Sprint, Super, Beast, Kids
This weekend, with races for all athletic levels, takes place at Snowbasin Resort, which hosted the downhill ski event at the 2002 Winter Olympics. The views from the top of Mount Ogden are breathtaking — it's a 3,000-foot vertical climb to the peak — and on Sunday night there's a concert and barbecue, perfect for the whole family. When you're not racing, you can take a gondola ride around the course and take in the sights.
Ogden is a badass mountain town with a vibrant arts and culture scene, plus a slew of delicious local restaurants and breweries. Before you settle in for the night, however, take the family to Uinta-Wasatch-Cache National Forest for a day of hiking, mountain biking, paddleboarding, and fishing. If you're craving a city excursion, Salt Lake City is less than an hour's drive away.
Atlantis Bahamas Spartan Sprint 5K and Kids World Championship (Paradise Island, Bahamas) - Sprint, Kids World Championship, Multi-Lap Sprint (NEW FORMAT!)
For the first time ever, the Spartan Kids World Championship is coming back far bigger and better than ever before in 2023, with an iconic racecation venue that's perfect for the entire family: Atlantis Paradise Island Bahamas.
This premier race weekend, coming to Bahamian shores Aug. 26–27, 2023, will mark the very first Spartan Kids World Championship at a world-renowned resort. Atlantis — as well as Spartan-specific weekend festival programming — will be packing more epic family-friendly activities, challenges, excursions, and opportunities to connect with the Spartan community than ever before. With four days of workouts, workshops, championships, Sprint races (including our new, 5-hour, multi-lap Sprint race), and more, the chance to combine a life-changing competition with an unforgettable island escape is one you and your family do not want to miss.
LEARN MORE: For the First Time Ever, Spartan Is Coming to the Bahamas
Bring every Spartan in your family to come crush our newly designed courses under the scorching, unforgiving sun, then enjoy everything Atlantis has to offer, from white-sand beaches to unlimited pools, water slides, private cabanas, world-renowned golf courses, and more. Plus, when you stay at Atlantis, you'll get free kids' races and 50% off adult tickets, too!
Sparta Trifecta World Championship (Sparta, Greece) - Sprint, Super, Kids, Trifecta World Championship
Sparta is Spartan Race's spiritual home. Every year, the city hosts the Spartan Trifecta World Championship, an epic three-day weekend that celebrates the ancient city and everything that Spartan stands for. Surrounded by mountains and ancient olive groves, you'll race through ancient Sparta — where modern-day Sparta now lies — past the tomb of Menelaus and through the waters of Evrotas. Fittingly, you'll finish right in front of the statue of King Leonidas.
In addition to the racing, the action-packed weekend includes an opening ceremony, a Parade of Nations, award ceremonies and celebrations, afterparties and concerts, and closing ceremonies.
And when you have some free time to explore Sparta, check out such landmarks as the Sanctuary of Artemis Orthia, Laganda Pass, the Museum of the Olive and Greek Olive Oil, and the Archaeological Museum of Sparta. Want more activity? Climb or hike Taygetus and Parnon. And we don't have to tell you how insanely tasty the food is.
Arizona Spartan Trifecta Weekend - Sprint, Super, Kids
This dusty, fast course takes racers between the Gila River and Estrella Mountain Regional Park, both of which lend themselves to great views and interesting wildlife. When you're done racing, the area will offer a vibrant food scene. Enjoy homemade pasta from The Pasta Factory, macaroons from MAE Fine Foods, and drinks at the 8-Bit Aleworks brewery or Superstition Meadery.
If you're craving even more nightlife, be sure to pay a visit to downtown Phoenix. And if you don't mind taking a little road trip, the Grand Canyon — which everyone should witness at least once in their lives — is less than four hours away by car, and the scenery along the way is spectacular.
Abu Dhabi Spartan World Championship (Abu Dhabi, UAE) - Sprint, Super, Beast, Kids, 3K Elite World Championship, 3K Team Relay
Spartan World Championship weekend is unlike any other race weekend on the calendar. Racers come from all over the world in what is the culmination of a year of racing, and the energy and excitement is intoxicating. Over the course of the weekend, racers will experience local traditions and flavor, as well as cultural demonstrations. You can even ride a dune buggy! It's our third year hosting the event in the United Arab Emirates, a part of the world so rich in natural beauty, history, and culture.
What to do after you've raced in the desert? Check out The Corniche — a street featuring restaurants, cafes, children's play areas, and a beach — in Abu Dhabi, the Al Ain Oasis, and the massive dunes of the Empty Quarter, one of the "least-explored places on earth," according to Condé Nast Traveler. If you want even more adventure, jet ski on the shimmering turquoise water under the sun, which you can rest assured will be shining brightly.
Of all the locations on this list, the UAE is unquestionably the most unique. Don't miss the opportunity to see it and explore it, with a community of Spartans by your side.
