Ultra runners, obstacle course racers, ninja warriors and a former NFL athlete. This list gives you an idea of the variety of athletes who came together on October 2020 to compete for $100,000 in prize money. Through exceptional videography, the 2020 Spartan Games story is shown through four Youtube videos which are 40 minutes to one hour in length. The disciplines ranged from ultra running, to cross fit, to Spartan wrestling.
I came to know of the Spartan Games through Ryan Atkins’ Instagram posts. I started following Atkins on Instagram this summer after he set the fastest known time (FKT) for the La Cloche Trail. Located in the rugged Killarney provincial park in Northern Ontario, the 78 km La Cloche Trail typically takes hikers 7-10 days to complete. Atkins ran the trail in a very fast 9 h 5 m. An impressive all around athlete, Atkins is a joy to watch during the competition.
Lindsay Webster is another one of my other favourite athletes from Spartan Games. Webster is a three time Spartan world champion and is also married to Ryan Atkins. I thought it was pretty amazing that two high caliber athletes like Atkins and Webster are married. I was surprised that this wasn’t discussed more during the Spartan Games videos, their marriage was only mentioned once. Like Atkins, Webster is very fun to watch throughout the games. Did I mention that they are both Canadians?
Mike Wardian, one of the top ultra runners in the world, also competed in the Games. Wardian is known for his extreme toughness, he won the Quarantine Backyard Ultra earlier this year by running 263 miles in 63 hours. Kellyn Taylor, one of North America’s fastest marathoners, competed on the women’s side. It was very interesting watching these long distance runners, Wardian and Taylor compete against the rest of the field.
I highly recommend all 4 episodes of Spartan Games. It’s excellent TV and a great way to pass the time in quarantine. I watched most of the series while riding a stationary bike. Spartan Games has definitely peaked my interest in trying a Spartan race this year. My family and I are planning on competing in the October, 2021 Spartan race in Collingwood, Ontario. There are events for the whole family, from my 11 year old daughter to my 4 year old son. I’ll have to modify my training so that so that I can climb ropes and cross monkey bars. I’m looking forward to the challenge, it will be fun to push myself in a new sport.
