When you compete in a Spartan Race, you put your body through some things it isn’t used to doing. For instance, chances are you don’t have to climb a 30-foot A-frame wall at the office, nor would you have to carry a 70 pound bucket of rocks between your daughter’s soccer game and family dinner. With that said, it’s not uncommon to come across a few spartan race injuries that range from cramps and strains, to freak accidents that can be much more serious. In Spartan, much like in life, you can be as careful as can be, and something could still go wrong. All you can do is attack the course with confidence and caution, and you should set yourself up for success.
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Of course, the first thing you might think of when considering Spartan Race injuries would be the Spartan Race obstacles. While it’s easy to imagine a fall from a tall wall, more injuries occur on the running portion of the race than on the Spartan Race obstacles themselves. Because the terrain is unpredictable with rocks and roots scattered over the miles of track, you’re more likely to roll and ankle than just about any other injury. The best way to prevent a rolled ankle or buckled knee is to have the right Spartan Race shoes.
Another common thing I’ve seen in Spartan Races are injuries due to a lack of stretching and improper training. You can’t expect to sign up for a Spartan Race, couch it until race day, then get out on the course and compete like you are 18 again. Proper stretching and pacing are crucial to avoid soft tissue inflammation and joint stresses. Of course, you need to properly protect yourself with the right Spartan Race clothing to avoid scrapes and cuts from the course.
It should be noted that more serious injuries are possible, even if they are uncommon at most Spartan Races. When climbing high walls, running up and down steep terrain, and rolling under barbed wire, broken bones and deeper cuts that require stitches do happen from time to time. The best thing you can do is to practice caution and remember that it’s everybody’s race. If you see someone down, lend a hand and help them get out of any heavy traffic. Spartan Race does a great job at having emergency personnel out on the course, and are usually quick to respond if anything serious does occur.
In the end, you can never truly rule out the chance of injury. With that being said, Spartan medical personnel and volunteers are there to ensure the safety of everyone, and race organizers do everything they can to ensure the obstacles are properly assembled. Everyone is out there to have fun and run a good race, and while Spartan Race injuries will always be a part of the sport, they should never deter anyone from getting out there and competing. Learn more in our Spartan Race FAQ article.
Check out this slow mo video of Super Moat fails to see it is possible to still have fun even when not performing to perfection:
