Coronavirus: Spartan race postponed amid epidemic, and muddy obstacles altered for hygiene
- The ‘dunk wall’ and ‘rolling mud’ obstacles will be removed to minimise the risk of infection
The Hong Kong Spartan Race has been postponed to May 30 from April 18 because of the coronavirus epidemic. The organisers will also remove two obstacles – the dunk wall and rolling mud – to minimise the risk of infection at the rearranged event.
The coronavirus continues to spread across China and the world. Since its outbreak in Wuhan, there have been more than 76,000 infections and 2,200 deaths worldwide. Nearly 20,000 people have caught coronavirus and recovered.
“This is a truly difficult decision but the safety of our races, volunteers and staff will always be our top priority,” the Spartan organisers said. “We sincerely apologies for any inconvenience or disappointment caused.”
For participants who cannot make May 30, they can email or Facebook message the organisers before March 14 to transfer to another 2020 race.
Spartan races are long-distance obstacle courses. They can range from a “sprint” over 5km to a “beast” over 21km. Participants are faced with wall climbs, heavy Atlas ball carries, spear throws, usually mud to crawl through or water to submerge in and burpees as a forfeit for all unfinished obstacles.
