By JONATHON HOWARD
TWO Noosa teenagers are helping drive a global fitness sensation known as Spartan Race, which pegs competitors against a gruelling obstacle course and promotes teamwork.
Spartan Race is set across four separate divisions including a seven kilometre obstacle sprint, 14 kilometre obstacle super course, 21 kilometre obstacle beast and the 42 kilometre obstacle ultra beast.
With the philosophy “no Spartan is ever alone”, competitors must find a reliable partner to overcome obstacle heights and to push each other’s limits.
Spartan-loving best friends and Noosa lads Tim Hudson and Josh Squire, both 18 years old, decided to take their aptly named “Spartan Gap Year” after graduating from Noosa High School last year.
Josh said the plan was simple.
“One year of travelling the USA in the cheapest motor home we can find, participating in every Spartan Race possible,” he said.
“During our travels we will do what we love to do; film and write about the places we visit.”
The pair has a website (www.spartangapyear.com), Youtube channel, Facebook page, Twitter account and Instagram, which is allowing fans constant updates from competitions.
“We will explore as many American places as we can, taking part in festivals and events, documenting them via video and writing for everyone to enjoy,” he said.
“We will upload our adventures on a daily basis – so follow our story.”
The youngsters have also attracted commercial interest with offers for sponsorship as Spartan Race establishes itself as one of the fastest growing sports in the world.
More than three million people participated in an obstacle course race last year and the Spartan Race community has more than eight million ‘likes’ on Facebook.
Spartan Race operates events in nine countries including the United States and Australia.
The principle is to promote healthy living, active bodies, determination and above all team work.
Josh’s mother Leah Squire said she was extremely proud of the two boys and had provided Noosa Today readers with some of the historical background behind the Spartan Race.
“The first Spartan Race event was held in 2010 at the Catamount Outdoor Center in Williston, Vermont, and represented the city of Burlington, Vermont,” she said.
“Roughly 500 competitors had to “run, crawl, jump and swim” and overcome a variety of obstacles at the first-ever Spartan Race.
“All finishers received a medal and prizes were awarded to the top athletes – a precedent that lives on today.”
Mrs Squire said Spartan Race was founded by Joe De Sena, Mike Morris, Andy Weinberg, Selicia Sevigny, Richard Lee, Brian Duncanson, Shaun Bain, and Noel Hanna.
“Each has an extensive background in athletics, racing, and service. Josh and Tim were at dinner with the founders last week and stayed with them at Boston headquarters,” she said.
“Obstacle course racing is currently the fastest growing sport in the world and is now held in USA and franchised to 14 countries including Canada, Europe, South Korea, Africa and Australia.”
For more information and to follow Joel and Tim’s journey visit www.spartangapyear.com.
You can also follow their adventure on facebook.com/spartangapyear.
