This summer, Ithaca is set to welcome another growing international event within its borders.
The Spartan Race is an obstacle race run in lengths of three, eight, or 12 miles. The races are currently held in 20 countries, and this year, over 130 will be held across the globe.
Joe DeSena is a Cornell grad who founded the races. He spent a portion of his youth living in Ithaca.
“I grew up for a second part of my childhood there,” DeSena says. “It has a ton of obstacles I faced, whether it was biking up Buffalo Street or running through the gorges or trying to get into Cornell University to go there as a student.”
DeSena is bringing the Spartan Race to Cornell on September 5th, and says he expects about 3,000 participants in the first year of the event.
“You get your entire body involved, and your mind,” DeSena says. “Obstacles are metaphors for the obstacles we face in life. You’re getting completely out of your comfort zone for a couple of hours.”
Those who want to participate in the race can apply online through the Spartan Race website.
