The Popular Spartan Race Returns to Alabama

MOBILE, Ala. – The Mobile Sports Authority (MSA), the City of Saraland, and Visit Mobile announced the return of the Spartan Race to Saraland, Alabama. On November 19th, 2016, racers will have the opportunity to participate in a new and challenging course. For the second year in a row, Saraland will play host to the only Spartan Race in the state of Alabama and continues to be a game-changing location in the Spartan world. 

 

“Since 2014 when the idea of bringing a Spartan Race to Mobile County ignited, the Saraland community, led by Mayor Howard Rubenstein, Saraland City Council President Joe McDonald, and the entire Saraland Chamber organization to our entire dedicated local committee as well as a few of our local Spartan competitors, have been extremely helpful in making the 2015 race a great success, as well as providing an innovative approach to the entire weekend!” said MSA Executive Director Danny Corte. “This has been a huge undertaking and we’re all looking forward to seeing what happens in our second year of the event.”

 

Last year’s inaugural Saraland Alabama Spartan Race was not only a first in the state of Alabama, but also the first Spartan Race location to host a Friday Night Pre-Race Party. Hosted by the Saraland Chamber of Commerce the ‘Taste of Saraland’ gave participants and visitors alike a chance to try local eats, enjoy live entertainment as well as a little Southern hospitality. This year the Shell Chemicals’ Pre-Race Party, on November 18th, 2016, will host several local food vendors, plenty of Southern hospitality, and will feature singer Shelby Brown, a local Alabama girl and star contestant on “The Voice.” Admission to the pre-race party will be free to those involved.  Beginning at 5 p.m. and ending at 8 p.m., the party will be held in the Saraland Area Chamber of Commerce parking lot located at 939 Saraland Boulevard. 

  

Saturday’s race, “The Alabama Super” will consist of a nearly ten-mile course with over 24 natural and man-made obstacles that will test the endurance and determination of well over 5,000 competitors. The day will start with heats for the elite divisions at 7:30 a.m. on Saturday, November 19th. The site, positioned off of Celeste Road in Saraland (the same site used in 2015), will also feature the ever-popular Spartan Kids Race as well as Spartan’s first-ever Spartan VIP Experience. 

 

“Saraland Spartan is not only a great race but also gives the Spartan Community a fun atmosphere to launch new events such as our first-ever VIP Experience! The VIP Experience will give an up-close look to the race while giving us a chance to impact the communities we are in by benefitting a local charity. This year, we are pleased to announce the partnership with the Mobile Sports Authority and the Alabama Spartan Race Committee to allow the Fuse Project to be the very first recipient!” said Cherie Bortnick, Director of Business Development, Destinations, Spartan Race, Inc. “We invite race participants and spectators alike to give to this great cause as well as secure their tickets to this event!” The VIP Experience tickets are limited in number and are expected to sell out quickly. Tickets can be purchased at www.spartan.com.

 

“The City of Saraland once again welcomes all Spartan participants and spectators,” stated Jeff Kahn, VP of Economic Development for the Saraland Area Chamber of Commerce and current Alabama Spartan Race Committee Member. “Our objective from the outset was to make this race one of the best ever – and I think we’re well on our way. We have a dedicated committee that has gone above and beyond to ensure that the weekend will be enjoyable, safe, and memorable for all who attend. Our local businesses and the entire community are extremely proud to put Saraland on display! So we say welcome to all - we’ll see you Friday night and at the finish line on Saturday.”

 

In preparation for this year’s Alabama Super, the Spartan Workout Tour will host a free Spartan Workout for all those interested on Saturday, October 8th, 2016 at Saraland High School. Starting at 8 a.m. this Spartan Workout will help prepare participants for the obstacles they will endure in November. Registration is necessary as all participants will receive an exclusive "I'm Training for a Spartan Race" t-shirt!

 

There are still opportunities for people to volunteer and/or participate in the Alabama Spartan Race. Those interested in volunteering or assisting with site build-up and/or race day activities may contact Rita-Nicole Wright of the North Mobile YMCA via email at rwright@ysal.org.

 

Registration is now open for the Alabama Spartan Race! Please be sure to visit Spartan.com for more information, race registration, volunteer opportunities, and tickets to the first-ever VIP Experience benefiting Mobile’s Fuse Project.     

 

The Mobile Sports Authority (MSA) is a non-profit sports commission formed in 2008 by the Mobile County Commission. The main mission is to create a positive economic and public relations impact for Mobile County, the City of Mobile, and the region through attracting, hosting, managing and supporting sporting events. MSA is the main point of contact for sports and sports-related activities for the Mobile County area. For more information on MSA, please visit www.mobilesportsauthority.com. 

 

About Spartan Race, Inc.   

Founded in 2010, Spartan Race is the global leader in the sport of obstacle racing. Spartan Races cater to individuals looking to test their physical limits and change their frame of reference for what they can accomplish, from everyday people looking to get off the couch and lead a fitter lifestyle, to elite endurance athletes who seek the ultimate physical test. Currently, Spartan Race offers three primary race formats, “Sprint” (3+ miles; 20+ obstacles), “Super” (8+ miles; 24+ obstacles) and “Beast” (13+ miles; 30+ obstacles), along with a shorter format race for children. Unlike other obstacle-focused events, Spartan Races are always timed, and competitors are encouraged to complete each of the primary race distances to achieve “Trifecta” status, earning medals for each finish. The Spartan Race urges you to change your life today by signing up to race at www.spartan.com.