by A few weeks ago I had the opportunity to run my first Spartan Race in almost 2 years. Running the Spartan Race Asheville Super in 2021 at the Tryon International Equestrian Center. This was new venue for the “Asheville” race. And it was very different from years past. So let’s get our 2021 Asheville race report.
Key Takeaways from the Spartan Race Asheville Super :
- Venue change to Tryon Equestrian Center offered convenient logistics.
- The course was surprisingly fast and flat compared to previous Asheville races.
- Obstacle layout was standard, with some challenges like the dunk wall and mud near the Z-Wall.
- Potential for more obstacle innovation within the Spartan brand.
- Consider focusing on trail running for future races at the same venue.
Spartan Race Asheville Race Report – Super – 2021
Venue:
The 2021 race was held at the Tryon International Equestrian Center outside of Mill Spring North Carolina. This was a change in venue from years past. Where racers could come to expect a brutal course with a lot of elevation. This would be a different course.
The venue itself is set up to handle large events. So parking was easy and it’s only a short walk down a hill to event center. This venue does offer some perks. Including a large covered horse ring that can fit stalls, food, seating and more. Offering protection from sun or rain.
Overall the venue works well for Spartan events.
The Course:
The course in Mill Springs was not what you would come to expect from a race in Asheville. While they added a few very short climbs. This course was fast and flat. Starting with a long opening run before a couple quick obstacles and a long down hill. It was designed to get you moving going quick from the beginning.
If the course is in the same location next year, spend less time focusing on the climbs and more time on trail running. Although I’d love to see Spartan move this race back closer to Asheville and the Black Mountains.
The Obstacles:
The obstacle layout was true to Spartan Race’s standard form. A few quick obstacles in the first few miles. Some well spaced grip obstacles. Then a gauntlet at the end leading up the fire jump. For the most part there were no major surprises. But the dunk wall and mud right before the Z-Wall made for a real challenge. I know I heard more than few racers mention it.
Like most of the time I race this brand of OCR I do wish they would bring a little more obstacle innovation. With so many other smaller racer providing a more unique obstacle experience. You would think the brand that built the sport would step up their game.
Conclusion
The 2021 Spartan Race Asheville Super at the Tryon International Equestrian Center marked a notable departure from the rugged, hilly terrain that had become synonymous with Asheville races. The new venue offered logistical advantages but sacrificed the challenging elevations of the past. While the standard obstacle layout remained, there’s room for Spartan to introduce more innovative challenges. As the event continues to evolve, racers hope for a return to the demanding Black Mountains while enjoying the convenience of the new venue. The race may have changed its backdrop, but the Spartan spirit endures, always ready for the next adventure.
Did you race at the Spartan Race Asheville Super or Sprint? If so let us know what you though of the events below.
