We released a survey to find out the hardest Spartan Race obstacles. We had 85 obstacle course racers respond, and we're counting down, from 5 to 1, the hardest obstacles at Spartan Race in 2024.
Number 5: With 23 votes, the Spartan Multirig was voted the 5th hardest obstacle. Now, Spartan does change the Multirig depending on whether it's a Sprint, Super, or Beast, but this was still universally selected. Because of the Rings, Poles, and Ropes that can potentially be on the rig, you NEED to train different grip exercises. Absolutely train on rings - even if it's just Pullups or Deadhangs. For the poles, you can shimmy from one side of a pullup bar, to the other, and back to help train for that.
Number 4: The Spartan Spear Throw received 25 votes. Since Spartan made the target slightly smaller by adding the circular frame around it, it may be even slightly harder now than before. However, if you practice the Spear Throw, you WILL be successful; but you have to practice. You can purchase a Spear from Race Ready Obstacles, or build your own. You can watch the video tutorial below - be sure to subscribe to our Youtube channel too!
Number 3: Stairway to Sparta also received 25 votes, but it reached 25 votes first, so we're making it number 3. Many of you may not like this answer, but you have to be able to jump high enough to grab the rock-grips, and you have to be able to hold yourself long enough, and pull yourself high enough, to get a foot on the grips. If you can't do those things, you won't make it without help. Work upper body strength with lots of pulling exercises like Barbell Rows, Pullups, Chinups, and so on. Rock climbing would also be great training for this obstacle.
Trio Fitness Training is the premier online coaching business for obstacle course racing. Many of the athletes we've coached over the years have signed up because they've wanted to build their strength and endurance for Spartan Races. We've helped so many athletes complete more obstacles, run faster, and even finish in the top tiers at different events and series. We'd love to help you too. Visit our OCR Training Programs and Sign Up today.
Number 2: Twister earned 29 votes. There are multiple different methods to complete twister. Some people move forward just like they would on Monkey Bars. Some go backwards (my preferred method), and some people go sideways. All of these techniques work, but none of them will work without practice and without the upper body strength. I'm sure you're all seeing a theme with the most challenging obstacles so far as well...4/5 of them are upper body intensive obstacles. You really need to train your upper body strength, your grip strength, AND your technique. There are mini twisters you can buy (Race Ready Obstacles has that as well) or you can simply practice on different types of hanging grips.
Number 1: OLYMPUS. 54 votes went to Olympus, so it is number 1 by a wide margin. Olympus puts your body at an awkward angle, on a slick surface, with varying grips that make it very challenging to hold on and move laterally. Some people complete this with their feet on the wall and their body in a "V" shape. Some people have their knees against the wall as they move across. Again, this is ALL about upper body strength. Build that upper body strength!!!
Comments