New Clark City Athletics Stadium in Tarlac, Philippines, is set to be the battleground for approximately 2,500 obstacle course race (OCR) athletes from across the Asia Pacific region on Saturday, July 15. These athletes will gather once again to compete in the highly anticipated Spartan Stadion race, pushing their limits for race supremacy in a grueling 5K, 20-obstacle challenge that tests both physical power and mental toughness.
Drawing inspiration from the legendary Spartan warriors of ancient Greece, the Spartan Stadion race has become synonymous with intense competition and unwavering determination. This year, the event will see a showdown of top racers, including defending champions Silamie Gutang and Mervin Guarte, who claimed victory at the 2022 New Clark City Spartan Stadion race. Also joining the race are renowned OCR athletes Sandi Abahan and Elias Tabac, recognized as Guinness World Record holders, as well as China’s own Multi Trifecta holder, Shen Max.
The majority of this year’s Stadion participants have already achieved impressive rankings and strong finishes in previous Spartan races. The roster also includes top athletes from universities, military and police personnel, and members of the national team, which recently secured gold medals in the 2023 South East Asian Games (SEA Games) held in Cambodia.
The significance of hosting such a prestigious event is not lost on Michelle S. San Juan-De Vera, BCDA Officer-in-Charge for Investment Promotions and Marketing, who stated, “We are once again thrilled to host one of the most coveted obstacle course races in the world. The intensity and excitement of the high-impact Spartan Stadion is exactly what gave rise to the New Clark City sports facilities–just like the hosting of 30th SEA Games in 2019.”
The New Clark City Athletics Stadium, which received a Class 1 certification from World Athletics (formerly known as the International Association of Athletics Federations or IAAF), has become the go-to venue for Spartan Stadion races in the Philippines. With a seating capacity of 20,000, a nine-lane 400-meter track and field, and a four-lane warm-up track, the stadium played a pivotal role in the success of the 30th SEA Games in 2019. Its outstanding facilities were recognized when it was nominated as one of the top 10 best stadiums in the world at the 2019 Stadium of the Year Awards by Poland-based StadiumDB.com and shortlisted at the recent 2023 United Architects of the Philippines (UAP) Dubai Design Awards.
The completion of the New Clark City sports facilities within just 18 months prior to the 2019 SEA Games showcases the commitment and dedication of the Philippines in promoting sports excellence and providing world-class venues for international competitions. As OCR enthusiasts and spectators converge at the New Clark City Athletics Stadium, the stage is set for an unforgettable display of athleticism, perseverance, and the unwavering spirit of the Spartan warrior.
