Devastating Storms Force Postponement of Nov. 1, Spartan Race Times Square Challenge

PITTSFIELD, Vt.--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Spartan Race today announced postponement of its Times Square Challenge, an invitational demonstration featuring hundreds of New York’s fittest competitors, previously set for Thursday, Nov. 1, at the famed Manhattan site.

“In the meantime, as the Spartan Code avows, ‘Spartans Give Generously’ – and with so many of our fellow Spartans affected and so many Spartans worldwide wanting to help – we'll be directing donations to the Red Cross to ease the suffering and lend a Spartan hand.”

With the recent devastation and ongoing storms on the East Coast and the immediate need of the people of New York, New Jersey and surrounding areas, Spartan Race officials have decided that in the interest of public safety, it will offer a “Super Storm Raincheck” event to be scheduled at a later date – when the Eastern seaboard is well on its way to recovery.

“Spartans are resilient,” asserted Spartan Race Co-founder Joe Desena, “and we have a storied history with hurricanes and overcoming obstacles. Continuing in light of current circumstances, however, would be irresponsible. We are putting the safety of New York residents and the challenge participants first. Furthermore, to detract media attention from so many people in need would contradict the Spartan Code.

“We look forward to announcing a new date in the near future,” Desena continued. “In the meantime, as the Spartan Code avows, ‘Spartans Give Generously’ – and with so many of our fellow Spartans affected and so many Spartans worldwide wanting to help – we'll be directing donations to the Red Cross to ease the suffering and lend a Spartan hand.”

Desena added that it is easy to donate. Simply visit the Red Cross website or text REDCROSS to 90999 to give $10 to American Red Cross Disaster Relief.

According to the Red Cross, blood donations are especially needed. The storm has already caused the cancellation of Red Cross blood drives in the region, with more cancellations expected.

To schedule a blood donation or get more information about giving blood, visit PLEASE GIVE BLOOD or call 1-800-RED CROSS (1-800-733-2767). Donors must be at least 17 years of age, meet weight and height requirements and be in general good health.

“Every little bit helps. The most important thing Spartan Race can promote right now is the safety and security of the nearly 60 million people affected by the devastating storms. Thank you for your ongoing support of Spartan Race and to the people waiting out the storm, picking up the pieces in its aftermath, or still waiting in harm’s way, we’re thinking of you. With our operations headquartered out of Boston and Killington, Vt., we’re also weathering the storm by your side,” Desena said.

More details about the upcoming “Super Storm Raincheck” will be forthcoming.

About Spartan Race

Spartan Race, voted Outside magazine’s Best Obstacle Race in 2012, is the world’s leading obstacle racing series and the first of its kind to have global rankings. With 350,000 participants in 2012 and 60 events planned for 2013, Spartan Race is making this one of the fastest growing sports in the world. Spartan Race is a timed event series featuring races at four escalating distances in locations worldwide that culminate in a World Championship Finale with cash and prizes for the champions – with a half-million dollars in cash and prizes awarded in 2012 alone. While featuring competitive elite heats, Spartan Races are for athletes of all levels and abilities and are geared toward ripping people off their couches and into the outdoors.

You’ll Know at the Finish Line – A Spartan Guide to the Sport of Obstacle Racing, a new e-book from Spartan Race co-founders Joe Desena and Andy Weinberg that inspires readers to find and unleash their inner warrior, is available for free on the company’s website.

Go to http://www.spartanrace.com/ for more information, a schedule of events or to register for a Spartan Race. For videos, please visit www.spartanrace.tv.