Spartan Race in Alviera, Philippines

Spartan Race announcement that the spartan race will relocate due to the eruption of Taal volcano in the Philippines. The race venue was located near Batangas, and now is moved to Alviera, just 2 hours north of Manila. Although there is the corona virus outbreak, the Spartan Philippines event is still happening. Spartan Vietnam didn’t happen the week prior, so I’m super excited I got to race here in the Philippines. Spartan Philippines is part of the South East Asia Series (SEA) but this race was not part of that Regional Series.

This was a sold out event. There were approximately 4500 participants on February 22. There was the Super, Sprint, and Trail with 2300, 1900, and 300 people respectively. The day started with the Super in the early morning, followed by the Trail race and then the Sprint. It was a really warm day so the shade was your friend, I couldn’t get enough of it. It began to get really hot and definitely affected the speed of the racers.
The Super and Trail were competitive with Elites and Age Racers. Sprint was only available in the Open category. Additionally, there was a 4 hour hurricane heat later in the afternoon.

To start, the festival area was really well laid out. Not too big, not too small. Everything was within a close distance. Think of it as a big circle you can walk around and within. There was a food area along with marketing and sponsored tents. Then the entrance beside the Merchandise. There were really unique things you can buy at the merchandise including the face mask with the spartan logo, the new spartan hats (very cool) and spartan coasters! They posted a merchandise list with costs around the tent so this was very convenient. As you move towards the other side of the circle there is bag check, along with tents for changing. Showers nearby the medical tent. Results and podium tracking. And lastly a training area held by Philam Vitality in the center.

During the race there are plenty of water stations. Philippines is being proactive and not using plastic cups. It is the racers responsibility to provide a cup or Camelbak. I just tilt my head and let water fall into my mouth straight from the source. That’s the first time I saw no cups at the races, so this was really cool.

Next, the terrain varies from sandy runs to fields to some stream running and dirt, and finally hills with sand and uphill roadways. It felt like a fast race. The Super fastest times were in the 50’s minutes. The Super was 10km with 200m of elevation gain.
The obstacles were really similar to the ones from USA or Canada. Their spear throw I believe was better because they used a black foam pad instead of hay. The obstacles included a sandbag carry, bucket carry, cargo nets, spear, atlas carry, Hercules hoist, short and tall walls, Irish tables, sled drag, a-frame, and multi-rig with mostly rings.

Lastly, Spartan Philippines was sponsored by Jeep (i love my wrangler), Merrell, and Philam Vitality. Merrell had multiple tents and advertising. Even when running past the course while carrying the sandbags there were big letters spelling out Merrell. Also they had great sales for shoes up to 50% off therefore I got myself some Bare Access Flex shoes. 🙂