The 2024 Spartan Race at Citi Field, held on June 22, was a spectacle of endurance, strength, and sheer determination. The iconic stadium, home to the New York Mets, was transformed into a challenging obstacle course where athletes from all backgrounds gathered to face a series of demanding obstacles, including rope climbs, wall jumps, and the notorious spear throw. Each challenge was designed to push racers to their physical and mental edges, requiring not only strength but also strategy and resilience.
Sabrina Buhagiar, a Spartan competitor from Fairmont, Virginia, tackled the Citi Field race embracing the new and complex challenge. Unlike many competitors who train in traditional gym environments, Sabrina’s preparation involved running, climbing stairs, and tackling hills. This unconventional training made navigating the stadium more manageable for her, showcasing her adaptability and determination.
“You know, this is a stadium event, it’s a little bit different format than some other ones, they’re tricky to navigate. And one obstacle that didn’t get me was that spear throw one there. So I took my quick penalty of some burpees, but I was able to complete all the other ones and take a win for today, so let’s go,” said Buhagair.
Dub Krauth, a well-seasoned Spartan competitor from North Wales, Pennsylvania, completed his 50th Spartan race and has been attending since late 2016. The real prize to him is the sense of community and camaraderie that can be seen by other competitors at the events
“The absolute best part about it is seeing all my friends, the camaraderie that’s around Spartan…. The friendships that are made. It’s kind of like everybody’s dying together and enjoying it, finishing to have a drink and get some food to just talk, that’s the best part,” said Krauth.
The Citi Field Spartan Race featured a range of heats, from elite competitors vying for top honors to open categories where racers of all levels could participate. Each participant brought their unique goals and motivations, whether it was to achieve a personal best, conquer a specific obstacle, or simply enjoy the thrill of the race.
Race director Tyler Spender spoke about the sheer size of these events and how much attention there is with Spartan and their challenges world wide.
“We have a little over 6,500 racers here today, including kids. So maybe about 7,500 if you include spectators as well, and they’re from all across the country. So it’s super cool to bring them here to New York and get to experience Citi Field,” said Spender.
Anyone can take part in a Spartan event, no matter if they’re a seasoned veteran of the competitions or those who are trying it out for the first time. They even hold events for kids to compete in as well no matter their physical abilities similar to how the adult courses are.
“I do thank the Spartan staff and the volunteers, because this is a very accommodating type of sport,” said Buhagair.
