Spartan Race coming to Big White next summer

Another major summer event will be coming to Big White in 2022.

Spartan is bringing one of its epic endurance and obstacle races to the Central Okanagan resort in late August.

Big White will host the event over two days, Aug. 27-28, 2022, with athletes tackling the rugged single track, challenging climbs and dozens of obstacles.

“We are excited to bring Spartan to Kelowna where our athletes will push themselves to their limits on the highest summit in the Okanagan Highland,” said Joe De Sena, founder and CEO of Spartan.

“Spartan is about becoming your own force of nature and what better place for this challenge than among the breathtaking alpine views in British Columbia.”

There will be three separate races for athletes to choose from.

The Beast, a 21-kilometre course with 30 obstacles, and the Ultra, a 50-km course with 60 obstacles, will happen on Saturday, while the Super, a 10-km course with 25 obstacles, takes place Sunday.

There will also be kids races both days, which range from 1-3 km for ages 4-14, as Spartan tries to promote family fitness and building resiliency for both parents and their children.

Although the primary focus of bringing the event to the Central Okanagan is giving athletes a chance to test their mettle, the Spartan Race will also bring major economic and tourism benefits to the region.

Lisanne Ballantyne, president and CEO of Tourism Kelowna, expressed excitement about adding a “premium event” like this one to the region’s hosting resume.

“The economic impact of this event will be far-reaching, benefitting Kelowna’s tourism businesses and building capacity for Big White as an anchor attraction and two-season resort,” she explained.

“Appealing to both residents and visitors, the Central Okanagan will provide an outstanding backdrop for over 5,000 racers.”

For more information on the inaugural Spartan Race up at Big White, and for details on how to register, click this link.