Bib Giveaway: Reebok Spartan Race France
Running in
Paris – it’s a thing now, no news
there. I get anxious when I hit the Canal on a Sunday, afraid of running into
the hordes of other runners, while at the same time I’m ecstatic to see
everyone sprinting along. It’s all about challenging yourself, keeping positive
energy, and having fun.
With so
many races, an increasingly popular marathon that has switched to a lottery
system, and new running groups all across the city, Paris is an easy place to
run however you want. And one of the newer trends has been the obstacle course
races, like The Mud Day, which premiered in 2013.
New to the
Parisian scene this year is a challenge put forth by Reebok, following the
success of Nike’s “We Own the Night” and Adidas’ “Boost Battle Run.” The
course, a team event, called “Spartan
Race,” is inspired by the Greek soldiers and challenges participants with
up to 26 obstacles during some 20+ kilometers. The first one in France happened
last year in Marseille, and this September it’s coming to Paris for the first
time.
Now, it’s
not just for the most heroic of athletes. The race has three categories, with
the “Sprint” covering just 5 kilometers and 15 obstacles, and the “Super”
pushing a half-marathon and 21 obstacles. It’s the Beast, with over 20
kilometers and 26 obstacles that seems like it will really put you to the test.
The
obstacles seem anything but lighthearted. Climbing ropes, taking blows from
gladiators, lifting things, crawling under things, sharp things, hot things,
wet things, muddy things – it’s no walk in the park, but it seems like a riot.
The race in
Paris, on September 13th, costs 99 euros at the moment – not cheap!
Reebok invited me to attend, but I’ll be running the Marathon du Médoc down by
Bordeaux, so I can’t participate in Paris’s first Spartan Race.
But Reebok
has given me a code for anyone who wants a FREE entry. I’ve never done a
giveaway before, but this one seems entirely appropriate. The code is good for any of their France challenges, whether in Paris (Sept. 13) or Marseille (Oct. 11 and 12).
To win a free race
bib, leave a comment telling me your biggest challenge of running in Paris
(or elsewhere, if you’re not in Paris) and I’ll pick a winner next week. Be
creative! Check back on Friday (Sept. 5th!) to see if you won and then contact me by email!
Check out
their website for more information on the Reebok Spartan Race and to sign up either solo or as part of a
team. Also check out their Facebook page here.
I hope you
have an old race shirt you don’t mind getting dirty…
Photos: Reebok Spartan Race France