October the 12th, 2024 – The much anticipated Spartan World Championship 2024 has begun on the beautiful island of Hvar.
As Vecernji writes, More than 2,500 participants from 36 countries are expected as the Spartan World Championship Hvar 2024 begins. It all kicked off with the official press conference on the world’s largest obstacle course competition (OCR). It tests the physical limits of competitors in various ways, while also pushing the mental ones. What better way to enjoy autumn on Hvar?
An ancient city bursting at the seams with historical heritage that perfectly blends the distant past and modernity was the perfect choice to host the Spartan World Championships 2024. Giles Chater, senior vice president of Spartan, stated that together with his team, he carefully analysed several locations that would be suitable for hosting this sporting event, and that Hvar and Croatia emerged as the best solution:
“Given that the Spartan World Championship on Hvar is the most important event in Spartan’s global calendar of events for the year, we couldn’t go wrong with the location. Hvar amazes me with its spectacular beauty and unique atmosphere. I believe that one of the best Spartan events ever will take place here, and the expected 2,500 competitors speak in favour of the fact that Croatia and Hvar will become the centre of the world over the weekend. The sea, the mild climate and the incredible views will represent an unforgettable experience for all the competitors, which is extremely important to me as the owner of the brand. This event represents the culmination of our work and dedication, and we’re looking forward to it”.
From October the 10th to the 13th, Croatia’s paradise premier island, illuminated by the still warm Mediterranean sun, will be visited by more than 2,500 competitors from as many as 36 countries worldwide. They will come together to compete in one of 5 disciplines – 100 meters, Sprint, Super, Beast and Kids. The 10-kilometre race with 25 obstacles is called Super, and the 21-kilometre race with 30 obstacles is called Beast.
The discipline in which the world championship is held – Sprint – is a 5-kilometre race with 20 obstacles to tackle, and for the first time in the history of the Spartan race on Hvar, we’ll have the 100-meter world championship with obstacles. This race is included in the programme of the Olympic Games that will be held in Los Angeles in 2028 as part of the modern pentathlon.
The Spartan World Championship 2024 on Hvar will be broadcast on HTV, and in addition to Croatia, 15 other markets around the world will follow the fearless Spartans live in their races, while the championship footage will be broadcast across an additional 45 markets.
Iva Belaj Šantić of the tourist board, commented on the arrival of the Spartan World Championship 2024 on Hvar: “We totally supported the realisation of this event, believing in the potential of Hvar as, perhaps not ideal, but certainly a unique destination for this type of competition. Although natural beauty and cultural-historical heritage are undoubtedly the main assets here, modern visitors are looking for an additional reason to come. Sport as a reason for coming is a healthy motive, and Hvar has some truly excellent prerequisites for the development of outdoor activities, which makes it the perfect location for the Spartan race. The organisational challenges on this island are, of course, greater than on the mainland, but we’re still sure that this event will be proud of how it all comes to fruition. We’re especially pleased by the fact that the Spartan race is inclusive and accessible to all age groups. We believe that projects like the Spartan race will contribute to the vision of sustainable and quality tourism, open up new opportunities for the development of sport tourism, and encourage personal changes towards a healthier lifestyle.”
The grandeur of the Spartan World Championship 2024 on Hvar is also highlighted by the fact that some of the most famous names in the OCR world will compete at the most prestigious event of the year for a total prize fund of 100,000 dollars. Andrea Azkune from Spain, Frank Oosterom from the Netherlands stand out among those names, as do Kasia Jonaczyk and Jan Tatarowicz from Poland, Adam Rayl, Tiana Webberley, Rose Wetzel and Jessie Graff from America, and Alissa Petrova from Russia who will compete in the youngest discipline – 100-metre hurdles. In the Sprint category, we have Rigerta Kadija from Italy, Nicole Mericle from America, Immy Hales and Dasos Gonell from Britain, Jesse De Heer from the Netherlands, Jakub Zawistowski from Poland, and Sergei Perelygin from Russia.
Among the many talented athletes who will push their bodies to the limits of endurance, Jozo Lukić stands out, who, in addition to the Sprint, will also participate in the 100-metre hurdle race. “I first encountered the Spartan Race and OCR races in general back in 2019 in Hungary when I ran the Beast race. I achieved a good result on a quite demanding course and against strong competition, but due to my obligations and studies, I couldn’t travel around Europe and participate in other Spartan races. The news that the Spartan Race was coming to Croatia made me happy and I’m thrilled that we can show off the beauty of Croatia through events like this, and on this occasion, one of the most beautiful places of all, like Hvar,” Jozo stated.
In addition to the four disciplines for adults, gorgeous Hvar will also be a stunning backdrop for the Kids race, where children aged 4 to 14 will compete on a course that, depending on their age, will vary from 1 to 3 kilometres in length. After a successfully completed race, along with a medal and other special prizes, children will be able to meet and chat with Valent Sinković, a famous Croatian rower who is a three-time gold and one-time silver winner at the Olympic Games. He will also test his physical strength and Spartan spirit in the Beast race.
“It’s a huge honour for us to be able to host one of the three biggest sporting events in Croatia in 2024 on Hvar, in which competitors from 36 countries of the world will participate. Hvar once again has the opportunity to prove itself as an excellent host and an ideal destination for sporting competitions and outdoor activities. The locations where the races will be held and our spectacular natural and cultural heritage will provide an exceptional experience for all participants.
The organisation of the event itself is being done at a high level, therefore I’d like to thank Spartan CEO Joe De Sena and his team for their initiative and recognition of the potential and advantages of Hvar, as well as the entire Spartan organisational team. I’d especially like thank all of our local partners, security services, volunteers and residents who will contribute to this truly global promotion of Hvar and Croatia as a top sporting destination,” said Hvar mayor, Rikardo Novak.
In addition to Hvar Town, Stari Grad also provided plenty of support to the Spartan World Championship project, which ceded its city area to hold a three-day preparatory OCR training camp – WC OCR Training Camp Stari Grad.
In addition to the striking beauty of Hvar as a destination, the contestants will be able to enjoy the local culinary offer as part of the Spartan Restaurant Weekend. During that, they will be able to enjoy varied menus in more than 20 restaurants at adjusted prices.
