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| Michigan, US
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Cannonsburg turned up the heat this year. This rugged stretch of southwestern Michigan tested Sprint, Super and Kids racers with steep climbs, fast descents and gritty sand pits, all under a hazy sky as wildfire smoke drifted in from the north.
The hills proved deadly in the best possible way, while the bucket carry and sandbag stretch became the moment everyone will talk about for months. Long, brutal, and exactly what a true Spartan finish should be.
For plenty of racers, this was a first Spartan finish, nerves giving way to pride, with more than a few already plotting a full Trifecta next year.
Tough terrain, tougher conditions.
Michigan didn't hold back, and neither did the
Spartans who showed up for it.
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| Szombathely, Hungary
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Szombathely brought history to life this weekend. Known as Hungary's oldest documented city and nicknamed the "Queen of the West," it hosted 2,600 adult racers and 800 kids across a course that wound through the historic centre, lakeside trails and forest, with summer heat testing everyone along the way.
The Elite Super race came down to seconds. Honti (HU), Chrappa (SK) and Kuzek (AT) battled to the line, while Chrappa Bronislava took the women's win just two minutes behind the men's winner, a phenomenal effort on a demanding course.
Racing carried on after dark with a Night Sprint until 11pm, alongside a Charity Run raising funds for Szombathely's local animal shelter.
History, heat and heart, this is why Spartans
go the distance.
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| Madrid, Spain
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Madrid Arena hosted the biggest DEKA event ever held in Spain, welcoming more than 4,000 racers for a weekend of world-class facilities and electric atmosphere, proof of just how fast DEKA is growing across the country.
The DEKA Cup brought Spain's top talent to the floor, and the Men's Elite race delivered a finish that will be talked about for years. Just 0.2 seconds separated first and second place, one of the closest finishes in DEKA history. Aitor Lizarazu took the win in 30:24.6, edging out Pablo Sánchez by a fraction, with Pau Nacenta completing the podium in 30:45.
In the Women's Elite race, Melania Timón claimed the top spot in 34:39, ahead of Tania Thies and Alba Lopez.
From first-time racers to the nation's fastest athletes, Madrid delivered record numbers and elite-level fitness on full display.
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