In this Article:
- Overview
- Registration & Eligibility
- How the race works
- Obstacles and Penalties
- Scoring, Results & Awards
- Heats and Onsite Operations
- Other important information
Welcome to the next evolution of the course. Spartan Doubles is a team-based racing category designed to let you and a partner tackle the world's toughest obstacles together, leveraging your combined strengths to conquer the finish line.
Overview: What is Spartan Doubles?
What is the Spartan Doubles format?
Spartan Doubles is a collaborative, pair-based racing format where two athletes compete as a single team. It emphasizes strategy, communication, and shared accomplishment over individual burden.
Why choose Doubles over a standard individual race?
This format allows you to share the physical and mental load of the race. It is a great way for new racers to find support, for existing Spartans to mentor friends, or for pairs to "step up" to a longer distance (like moving from a Beast to an Ultra) with the confidence of a partner by their side.
The Doubles format is available across the following race types:
Stadion
Sprint
Super
Beast
Ultra
Note: Spartan Doubles is not currently offered for Spartan Kids races.
Registration and Eligibility
Who can participate in a Doubles team?
Ages: The minimum age for participation is the same as the standard requirements for that specific race type (Sprint, Super, etc.). Please view the following FAQ for more information.
Genders: Teams can be Single Gender (Male or Female) or Mixed Gender.
How is our "Age Group" determined?
For competitive categories, your team's age is the average age of both partners (total age divided by 2). If the average is a decimal (e.g., 30.5), it is rounded down to the nearest whole number.
How much does it cost to register?
Each athlete receives the full Spartan experience, including their own timing chip, finisher shirt, and medal. Therefore, the price for a Doubles pair is equivalent to two individual tickets.
Note: You can use Trifecta or Season Pass codes! One pass code equals 50% off the total team registration fee.
How the Race Works
Do my partner and I need to stay together?
Yes. For a successful finish, you must adhere to the Synchronized Start and Finish rule:
The Start: Both partners must cross the start line within four (4) seconds of each other.
The Finish: Both partners must cross the finish line within four (4) seconds of each other.
Penalty: If you fail to meet these timing windows, your team will be disbanded and moved to individual Open results.
What is the protocol when we reach an obstacle?
Both athletes must be physically present at the obstacle before either partner begins an attempt. Once one partner begins the attempt, the other is free to continue on the course.
Obstacles and Penalties
Do both of us have to complete every obstacle?
No—this is the Unique Selling Proposition of Doubles! For most obstacles, only one (1) athlete from the pair is required to complete it.
Strategic Play: You can decide who takes on which challenge based on your individual strengths.
Competitive Rule: Only one athlete may attempt a single obstacle; once the attempt starts, the other partner cannot assist or try it themselves.
Are there any exceptions where we BOTH must participate?
Yes. Spear Throw and Fire Jump require both athletes to complete the obstacle or the associated penalty.
How do penalties (like Burpees or Penalty Loops) work?
General Obstacles: If the attempting athlete fails, only that athlete completes the penalty.
Spear Throw Exception:
If one partner fails: Both athletes must complete 15 burpees.
If both partners fail: Both athletes must complete 30 burpees.
Can we help each other in the Open Category?
Yes! In the Open Doubles category, partners are allowed to help each other on obstacles that standard individual Open racers are permitted to receive help on.
Scoring, Results, and Awards
How is our official team time calculated?
While both racers wear individual timing chips, the Official Team Time is recorded when the first athlete of the pair crosses the finish line.
Will we still be ranked in the individual Age Group standings?
No. Because Doubles athletes follow different obstacle rules, you will be automatically removed from individual Age Group standings and ranked specifically within the Doubles results.
What awards can we win?
There will be no awards for Open Doubles events.
Competitive Doubles teams are eligible for 1st, 2nd, and 3rd place medals in the following categories:
Male
Female
Mixed Gender
Heats and Onsite Operations
What is the check-in process?
You and your partner must check in together at the registration tent.
You will receive:
Two (2) timing chips (one for each).
Two (2) Doubles-specific headbands.
One (1) blue obstacle bypass wristband to be shared between the pair.
What do the headbands look like?
Age Group: Blue headband with white logo/numbers.
Open: Black headband with blue logo and white numbers.
Other Important Information
Every Doubles race counts as a Sprint, Stadion, Super, Beast, or Ultra toward your Spartan Trifecta based on the distance completed.
You must hand in your bypass wristband along with your timing chips at the finish line.
- Open Doubles racing is permitted in every open heat across all formats, including Stadion, Sprint, Super, and Ultra.
- There is no Elite Doubles product at this time.
- Age Group Scheduling: Competitive Age Group Doubles will only occur on event weekends featuring a National Series competitive format. They will take place on the alternative competitive format to the National Series race (e.g., if the National Series is a Saturday Beast, AG Doubles will be held during the Sunday Competitive Super).
- One-Day Events: Competitive Doubles will not be offered at one-day National Series events.