Spartan Race for Kids: How to Boost Your Kid's Grit

Spartan race for kids is more than just an obstacle race. For me, it was the solution I needed to make my children more active, healthy and mentally strong.

Spartan Race aspires to encourage the youth to get off the couch and be active. Numerous studies have confirmed that children are less active than they used to be 20 years ago and it's will grow worse if nothing is done. Now is the best time to encourage our kids to put down the video games and try a real-life challenge.

If you want to know what your kid should wear at Spartan Race and expecting to find a real review from a real runner. Check out my clothing checklist.

Since I began to participate in obstacle racing with my kids, I notice a real change in our life. First, we are getting more quality family time. On top of the obvious benefits of physical activities, we are experiencing a positive shift in attitude. My kids are way more confidants in their ability to overcome any challenges.

Furthermore, by participating in obstacle races, kids earn more self-confidence and get better grades than their less-active friends.

I wish that every kid had the opportunity to try a Spartan Race. It truly transforms my family, and we are becoming the best version of our self. I hope the following guide will inspire you to do the same with your children.

Because you must be at least 14 years old to participate in a regular race, kids have their own Spartan obstacles races.

Spartan Kids is a special obstacle race for all types of children from age 4 to 13.

What is Spartan Kids?

Obstacle racing is all about running, climbing, jumping and get real muddy.

So you are probably wondering, what to expect for your kids?

From all the kid's race I witness or participate into with my children, I can create an excellent portrait of what to anticipate. However, keep in mind that each Spartan Races is different because of the venue. Also, the organization will employ all their creativity to deliver a unique experience. This way you can attend multiple events without having the same race over and over.

For the kid's race, Spartan will select an area close to the public site. Except for the Stadium event, your kids are sure to be running on dirt or grass. You can expect some sort of little hills or dunes to climb, but nothing matches to the adult races. They might also have to cross mud puddles, but there is no swimming involved.

The organization of the obstacles can't be predicted, and it's mostly influenced by the venue. On the other hand, some obstacles have become their signature obstacles, and they are regularly present during an event.

Depending on your kid's age, here are the obstacles he might have to overcome:

• Slant wall, a 3-feet tall pyramid to climb
• Under wall, a barrier to crawl under
• Low crawl, the barbwire crawl without the actual barbwire
• Spear throw, but with safety tip
• 4-feet walls to climb
• Trough walls, a window into a wall
• A-frame cargo, similar to the pyramid
• Z-wall, a climbing wall in a Z shape
• Water crossing
• Tires crossing
• Tire flipping
• Tire or sandbag carry
• Cargo net crawling
• Tunnel crossing
• Box jumping
• Mudpuddle
• Rope climb
• And more...

The difficulty level is always adjusted to the age group. You don't have to worry about security, and your kid doesn't have to complete an obstacle he's not conformable doing.

Which Spartan race is best for my kid?

Spartan have tough of everything, and they created 3 separate categories of kids races.

Half mile kids race, for age 4 to 6

The younger kids (4-6 years old) can participate into a 0.5 mile (0.8 KM) race. Depending on your children age and abilities, the course can be completed between 15 to 25 minutes.

My kids did this race when there were 4 years old, and they love it. The obstacles were fun, and I was impressed with how they instinctively conquer each obstacle. I had only to cheer them along the race. I felt like a proud Spartan dad.

It's the only kid's race where parents are permitted to follow their kid on the course. Other spectators, will be able to cheer the kids from the finish line since most of the course is visible from there.

1-mile kids race, for age 7 to 13

This is the next level kids race. The racers (7-10 years old) have to complete the 1 mile (1.5 KM) course without their parent's help. However, don't worry you'll still be able to see your kid performing since most of the terrain is visible from the finish line. The average finish time for this 1-mile kids race is 20 to 35 minutes.

2 miles kids race, for age 10 to 13

This is the most challenging kid's race on the menu. Mini Spartans from 10 to 13 years old can participate into a 2 miles (3.2 km) race. It's actually 2 loops of the 1-mile course, but with more challenging obstacles.

Parents have to wait for their kids at the finish line and might not be able to see the entire race from this area. The race takes approximately 45 to 55 minutes to complete. Finishers will receive a different medal for the 2-mile run.

After this race, your kid will have a taste of the real Spartan challenge. I'll bet they will get hooked like the rest of us. When they turn 14 years old, they will be prepared to participate in the classic 3 miles Spartan Race besides the adults. Every time I race, I see all these teenagers, and I can't wait to run with my children too.

What you should know after signing up your kid

You'll have to pick up your kid's participant bib on the day of the race.

I advise you get there at least 60-90 minutes before the starting time. Depending on the time you get there, you might have to park far from the entrance. Sometimes we have to walk 10-15 minutes.

At the registration booth, they will ask for your ticket and an ID. They will accept to see the electronic version of the ticket, but I suggest you bring a printed version in case your phone is out of battery. Also, all participant and spectator must complete a waiver to enter the site.

After the race, if your kid asks: can it do it again? You will need to grab your wallet and pay for another full run.

Personally, after the race, I like to have lunch with my family on site, and we enjoy the festivities. There are many things to do on site. Each sponsor will have their own booth and something they have fun activities. Anything from trying new obstacles or a free sample of their product. The spectator passes you'll receive when you pick up your kids participant bib, will give you access to the public site.

For more information, please visit spartankids.com

What your kid will receive

Signing up your kid to a Spartan Race doesn't mean he will automatically get the medal. The mini Spartans must finish the race if they want the medal. Spartan is not giving free medals, the kids have to earn it.

Every kid who signs up for the race will receive 2 spectator passes and a numbered headband with matching parent wristband. Also at the finish line, they will get a special Spartan finisher t-shirt.

After their first Spartan Race, my kids were so proud to wear that t-shirt at school and talk about their well-earned medal to their friends.

As a parent, I think it's our job to push our kids to conquer their fear and finish what they started. It helps build their characters and mental toughness.

The famous Trifecta medal

Since 2018, If your kid complete three Spartan races in the same calendar year, he will receive the Trifecta medal.

The Trifecta medal is earned only by the kids who commit and succeed three Spartan races. After receiving the trifecta medal, your child will be part of the select trifecta tribe.

This medal is not just a piece of metal. It is given to the kids who put on the effort and fulfilled their commitment.

I can tell you that has an adult, when I got my trifecta medal, I felt a great sense of accomplishment. I'm sure my kids will feel the same when they earned their first Trifecta.

The competitive race for kids

After receiving the first medal, my kids were falling in love with Spartan Race. Just like every other Spartans, they wanted to set new goals and achieve more.

It's only after their 10 birthday, they could participate in the competitive race. During this competitive version of the kid's race, mini Spartans 10 to 13, have a chance to step on the podium.

This 2 miles competitive race, required all participant to complete the obstacles. If they fail an obstacle, they get a 15 burpees penalty, just like the adult events. This race is the real deal!

On top of their finisher medal, the 1st, 2nd or 3rd place get an extra medal and a Spartan merchandise gift certificate. In the competitive kid's race, the first three male and female racers are recognized in the podium ceremony.

Before you sign up your child for the 2 miles competitive race, make sure this event is available at your location. The two miles kids race is not present at all kids race event.

Spartan kids world championships

Since 2019, mini Spartans have a chance to qualify for the Spartan world championships for kids.

On this 2 miles championships course, boys and girls are racing to become a world champion. To participate in this event, children must have run into a previous competitive Spartan race and be part of the top racers in their category.

Special Spartans

Spartan Race is the ultimate inclusive obstacle race. Everyone can become a proud Spartan, and thy is why a special race is held for the challenged kids. This event welcome all kids with intellectual or developmental limitations, cognitive learning, or vocational delays.

The special Spartans have to race into the course has the other kids and get the self-esteem boost that comes with finishing a Spartan Race.

If you want your kid to take part in this event, make sure to check for the nearest Stadium Races. The Special Spartan races are held only during the Stadium Events. Throughout the race, kids are paired with their parent or guardian who will be helping to cross the finish line.

An extraordinary realization that you could share with your kid.

Spartan edge kids program

Spartan Race is more than just a fun way to get active; it also has a positive effect on the mental.

The Spartan edge kids program is an educational program aim at kids ages 6 to 12. During this 3 hours race-day, the kids are taught the importance of grit and resilience trough obstacle training. The activities are designed to be fun and also challenging.

The Spartan Way is a different approach to help kids face obstacles in life and achieve their goals. The Spartan philosophy is never to let an obstacle blocking you from getting where you want. It's all about overcoming the obstacle and never give up!

If you want your kid to participate or if you would like to get involved, I suggest you check the Spartan Website. Those summer camp are only available in 2 cities, but I'm sure it will spread to more location.

The Spartan Foundation

The Spartan Foundation’s mission is to change the way children live. Their goal is to get them out of the coach and back to the play yard with their friends.

Today, kids need to be more active and develop healthy habits, but many children don't have that opportunity. This is why the foundation in collaboration with schools and organizations, want to promote healthy nutrition and physical activity.

Therefore, the Spartan foundation needs everyone support to change the world.

Conclusion

Spartan Race is the most popular obstacle race in the world. With more than 200 races per years and spread across more than 35 countries around the world. You are almost sure to find a Spartan Race for your kids being held near you.

Participating in a Spartan Race can be life-changing. Your kid will have to get out of the comfort zone, overcome the obstacles, make friends and crush the course.

It's way better than video games!

P.S. If you want to know what to wear at an obstacle race and hoping to get genuine advice from a real runner. You should check out this my clothing checklist.

I have hand picked this racing gear because I'd used each item in different obstacle races and mud runs. Plus, I'd confirmed my selection with my fellow OCR runners. With all their insights and my own experience, I've built this list of the most helpful gear to bring at an obstacle race.

---