Spartan Race has become one of the leading options in Obstacle Course Racing in the UK (not to mention across the globe) and thousands of avid Spartan racers and newcomers alike take to the various courses around the UK. Sam Lansdale, General Manager of Spartan Race UK and Ireland has made it part of his mission to get more and more people, regardless of background or fitness level, to tackle the worlds best obstacle course race. I got the chance to meet the man in person and get some answers to the questions many of you have been waiting to ask. Meet Sam Lansdale:
1. How many OCR races have you completed so far?
To answer you honestly, I have actually done none officially. That said, I do all the races with the staff before the events. I walk the course at every venue before the public arrive. I love sport generally but I’m no elite athlete and I’m not an elite Spartan racer.
2. What attracted you to the Spartan team?
So, I think looking across various sectors in the fitness world, we’ve had the growing popularity of 5ks and 10ks, then we had the cycling boom after 2012, and after that it was a case of: ‘What’s the next big thing?’. I think then came the Obstacle Course Racing world, with the expansion of Spartan Race and Tough Mudder, to name just two series. We are now witnessing across the world just what an exciting sector of mass-participation sport this is to work in. Spartan race is a brand that’s taking over dozens of countries all over the world, attracting a million racers a year. It’s very exciting to be a part of it and I think our Founder Joe De Sena’s vision and ambition to try and rip a million people off the couch is one that a lot of people can get excited by.
3. What does your role in the Spartan team involve?
As General Manager, my role is to oversee the U.K. and Ireland business, and that expands through marketing, production, finance and our brand image across the UK and Ireland.
4. What’s your number one tip for anyone new to Spartan?
I’d say it is not to be fearful of the event and to embrace the fact that anyone can to do it. We have people of all shapes, sizes and genders taking part in a Spartan race, so just dive into our very helpful work-out training plan and enjoy the experience. Once you cross the finish line, all that training will pay dividends and you will fully appreciate just what you have achieved.
5. So do you hate burpees like the rest of us?
Yes, and that’s the point of them! It’s supposed to be a challenge. Burpees are there because you haven’t completed an obstacle. We are trying to create a race whereby the burpees do hold an element of fear factor.
6. What’s your best & worst Spartan obstacle and why?
The best obstacle, I’d say, is the eight-foot wall because, as a participant, it’s the last real obstacle you overcome before the finish line. You end with the fire jump but the wall is the last obstacle which symbolises the end of your Spartan Race. It’s also an opportunity to exercise some team work and to bond with your fellow competitors.
The worst obstacle? That’s easy to answer. I’d say, 100 per cent, it’s the rope climb. There’s definitely a technique to it and I definitely haven’t got it yet. I’m a terrible rope climber!
7. How do you train for Spartan?
It’s impossible to answer that question because I’m not an accomplished Spartan racer myself. I do some running, I love sport generally and I coach a lot of football so I’m always out and about.
8. What makes Spartan stand out from the competition?
We are a race first and foremost, so you are timed. You get a medal. So there is an element of competition. You understand where you rank against other people in your age group, in this country, on the Continent and around the world.
9. How would you convince the Spartan newbie to take part in their first Spartan Race?
I’d remind you that a Spartan Race is an accessible challenge. It’s not totally out of reach for someone who’s a general fitness enthusiast or someone who’s never done any kind of physical activity on a regular basis. It’s exciting. It’s a challenge. You can do it with a team. Or with your mates. So if you’re feeling scared, don’t be! Just come along, grab a friend, and come and try it out. You won’t regret it!
There is plenty of time to get ready for your next Spartan Race. Go ahead and sign up at www.spartanrace.uk/ and use the code ‘URBANSPARTAN‘ for 20% off of all UK open heat Sprint, Super and Beast events.
When is your next Spartan Race? Will you be at Aston Down for the Sprint, Super or Hurricane Heat? How are you preparing for your next event? Let me know in the comments below and thanks for reading.
Pictures: Epic Action Imagery
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