Every Spartan Trail Race on the U.S. Schedule: Dates, Details, and More
If you've never run a trail race, you are seriously missing out. There's something so therapeutic about trudging through dense woods and clambering up steep mountainsides with nothing but you, your thoughts, and the satisfying sound of your sneakers crunching atop twigs, leaves, and pebbles.
In a Spartan Trail race, there's no bottlenecking at the start, or at fuel stations, like in a typical road race. There are no lines of spectators cheering you on as you pass through a crowded city street. There's no loud music. There are birds chirping, there's wind, and there's water.
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For some, that's a deal-breaker. When you're miles and miles deep into a race, when you haven't seen another person for a mile, and when you begin to question your sanity, your true strength is tested. But then you break through and meet your true self on the trail. If you're up for the life-changing challenge, here's every epic Spartan Trail race on the U.S. schedule right now.
The Complete Spartan Trail Race Schedule
Feb. 26, 2023
Jacksonville Spartan Trail - 10K
Our first race of the 2023 race season, the Spartan Trail 10K at WW Ranch Motocross Park, is one of the fastest races in our Trail circuit. This is the perfect post-winter venue to see just how quickly you can complete 6-plus miles coming out of the offseason.
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You'll likely set a speedy benchmark for the year with extremely minimal elevation gain and low technicality, but be prepared to get muddy.
March 19, 2023
Atlanta Spartan Trail - 10K
If you're proficient at making quick transitions between technical and rolling hills, the Atlanta Trail 10K is your haven. The Georgia International Horse Park hosted the 1996 Olympic Mountain Biking competition, so you can expect to traverse well-maintained, rolling bike trails.
If there's one factor to watch out for, it's the single track's tight bends through thick forest. Every twist and turn will unlock new surprises, so come prepared for anything. (Plus, this venue might even be muddier than Jacksonville.)
May 6, 2023
Bear Mountain Trail Challenge - 10K, Half-Marathon, 50K
This weekend is ideal for New York City-based trail runners of all distance abilities, and still just a short trip for anyone in the Tri-State Area. Located on the west bank of the Hudson River just an hour outside of Manhattan, Bear Mountain State Park is home to a seemingly endless network of trails that weave through and around streams, lakes, and minor peaks.
The all-terrain climbs will be short and punchy with some extremely technical sections, but the thick, dense forest that unfolds beneath you as you summit several climbs will be well worth the blood-pumping hikes and hours of shady solitude.
May 7, 2023
Montana Spartan Trail - 10K, Half-Marathon
Bigfork, Montana is a serious bucket-list destination for sightseers across the country and world — particularly those who love a good trek through the mountains with once-in-a-lifetime views. The rugged 10K and 21K courses, situated in the foothills of the Northern Rocky Mountains, will test your mental fortitude for sure. Prepare for a long, steep climb to a summit that overlooks the unforgettable Flathead Lake.
And on the descents, you'll need to watch out for more than just your footing. If you're lucky, you might just catch a glimpse of some local elk ... or a grizzly bear.
May 21, 2023
Big Bear Spartan Trail - 10K
Big Bear is the most legendary mountain resort in Southern California, and has long been a favorite training ground for some of the country’s top runners, including Spartans.
Home to Spartan Games 2.0, this venue will send you following in elite footsteps as you explore the picturesque trails, featuring buttery single track winding through high altitude pine forest. Prepare for some gnarly, technical climbs and descents. But it'll all be worth it, as you experience wide views of the Southern Sierra, wildlife, wildflowers, and — of course — staggering altitude.
May 21, 2023
Austin Spartan Trail - 10K
In mid-May, this Texas trail will really start heating up. Reveille Peak Ranch is a 1,300-acre outdoor adventure hotspot, combining sweeping, expansive views of Texas Hill Country will the ruggedness of trail running. You'll complete just over 6 miles of single track and leap over smooth rock as you pass massive boulders, thick brush, and — yes — plenty of cacti.
June 4, 2023
Monterey Spartan Trail - 10K, Half-Marathon, 50K
In early June, you'll have the chance to cover 10, 21, or even 50 kilometers of Toro Park's sprawling and pastoral 4,756 acres — complete with over 20 miles of complicated hiking and mountain biking trails. Just 6 miles from downtown Salinas, your race will consist of dirt-laden rolling hills, coast live oak trees providing brief shady moments, and epic Bay Area views. Don't forget to look up as you cover the course, because you might just see a rare golden eagle.
July 16, 2023
Poconos Spartan Trail - 10K
If you've ever run an obstacle course race in Palmerton, your quads have probably yet to forgive you. Blue Mountain Resort is one of our oldest, most original OCR venues because it continues to challenge even our most battle-hardened racers (which is why it's our fourth most-difficult race in the U.S.)
This 10K, however — while certainly packed with leg-burning climbs — pushes you past the skiable boundaries into miles of pristine, wooded, single track trails. You'll be surrounded by swaying ferns on this racer-favorite course. Plus, what's more peaceful than floating over fallen Pocono pine needles?
Aug. 27, 2023
West Virginia Spartan Trail - 10K and Half-Marathon
Summit Bechtel Reserve, situated just adjacent to the legendary whitewater New River Gorge, is a trail runner's paradise. Prepare your legs for varied terrain — from wide buttery single track to steep and technical off-trail sections — that winds through a lush, jungle-like forest and over steep, punchy climbs.
This park is known as a place for adventurers of all kinds. Aside from the breathtaking natural sights along your 6- or 13-mile route, you'll find yourself passing by an archery range, a rock wall, or underneath a zip line. But keep your eyes scanning the trail on occasion, because there will be another climb just ahead!
Sept. 30, 2023
San Jose Trail Challenge - 10K, Half-Marathon, and 50K
Sanborn County Park is home to nearly 3,500 acres of well-groomed but steep and difficult trails, which makes it challenging for runners of all abilities.
Situated on the eastern slopes of the Santa Cruz Mountains, the park's 22 miles of continuous trails are shaded by absolutely colossal coastal redwood groves. The temperate September climate makes it ideal for mountain bikers, hikers, and — of course — trail runners. The climbs and descents will be hefty, but you'll find good footing on flowy single-track trails through dense forest.
Nov. 5, 2023
San Luis Obispo Spartan Trail - 10K, Half-Marathon, and 50K
The historic Santa Margarita Ranch is home to this early November weekend of 10Ks, half-marathons, and 50K ultrarunning races. The working cattle ranch and vineyard sits on over 14,000 acres of rolling grassy hills, wide-open cow pastures, and steep-sided gullies lined with towering oak.
What may appear a rather underwhelming venue in terms of elevation gain quickly becomes challenging when racers begin to feel the burn of several deceptively steep and long hills that will require intense endurance and willpower to overcome. The SLO terrain is constantly changing, but you're in for a real treat with the expansive views, likely great racing weather, and a chance to try local wine made from grapes grown right on site as soon as you cross the finish line.
Nov. 18-19, 2023
Golden Gate Trail Classic - 10K, Half-Marathon, 50K, and 100K
The Golden Gate Trail Classic is part of the renowned Spartan Trail World Championship, the biggest and most global trail running championship in the world.
With an incredibly diverse range of distances to choose from, you'll cut through the rolling fog as you take on the breathtaking scenery of the Marin Headlands. Between rolling hills, cascading ocean cliffsides, and lagoon views, you'll really have to watch your footing. Listen for frequent echoing foghorn calls as you take full advantage of the once-in-a-lifetime chance to run over the iconic Golden Gate Bridge.
