Spartan Doubles Race Format – SPARTAN US FAQ

Overview:

What it is: Two athletes register and race together as a pair.
Categories: Age Group and Open (not available for Spartan Kids).
Staying together: Partners must remain close on course and start/finish within 4 seconds of each other.
Obstacles:
- Most obstacles: Only one partner needs to complete; if they fail, only that athlete serves the penalty.
- Exceptions: Both must complete Spear Throw and Fire Jump. Spear miss by either = both serve the penalty.
Timing: Each athlete wears a chip; the team’s official time is the first partner to finish (as long as both finish within 4 seconds).
Results: Doubles Age Group pairs are ranked only against Doubles Age Group pairs. Doubles results are separate from individual Age Group results.
Trifecta: Counts toward Trifecta and Multi-Trifecta for both individuals, if successfully completed as a doubles pair.
Pass Usage for the 2025 test:
- One pass in the pair (Unbreakable/Season/Trifecta): Register online as usual with your partner.
- Both athletes have passes: Contact Customer Service for test-event registration help at us@spartan.com.
Pilot/Test Event: Scheduled test at Spartan Central Florida on December 14 (Super ONLY).
Broader rollout TBD for 2026, following the test event.

How do we sign up?
- When registering, both tickets will be purchased at the same time. The purchaser can then assign second ticket to their partner!
  Note: To race in Age Group Doubles, BOTH partners must fall within the same Age Group.
- Each athlete must sign their own waiver and will receive an individual timing chip and a blue Doubles bib/pinney at check-in.
Are there age requirements?
- Minimum ages match the standard minimums for each Spartan product and are enforced on race day. Age Group placement is determined by age as of December 31 of the current year.
- Local laws and federation rules apply by country/region.
Can pairs be mixed gender?
- Yes. Doubles allows same-sex or mixed-gender pairs in both Age Group and Open.
Do pass codes or season pass codes work?
- Yes, with specific rules for the 2025 test:
  - If ONE racer has a pass (Unbreakable Pass, Season Pass, or Trifecta Pass), they can register a Doubles team with their partner through standard online signup.
  - If BOTH racers have passes, contact Customer Service for assistance registering for the test event: us@spartan.com.

Do we have to stay together?
- Yes. Partners must remain in close proximity throughout the course and at obstacles.
- Start and finish synchronization: Both partners must cross the start line within 4 seconds of each other and the finish line within 4 seconds of each other.
- If the pair does not start or finish within 4 seconds, the team is removed from Doubles results and moved to individual Open results.
What do we wear?
- Both athletes wear the blue Doubles bib/pinney and their standard category headband for clear identification.
How is timing handled?
- Each athlete wears a timing chip. The official team finish time is recorded as the time of the first partner to cross the finish line, provided both partners finish within 4 seconds of each other.

Who has to do each obstacle?
- For most obstacles, only one athlete in the pair needs to attempt and successfully complete the obstacle while the other waits to the side.
- Only one athlete may attempt a given obstacle; the non-attempting partner may not assist on the obstacle itself. Once an attempt begins by one athlete, the other athlete may not assist or attempt the obstacle.
What happens if the attempting athlete fails?
- Only the athlete who attempted and failed completes the full penalty (e.g., 30 burpees or a penalty loop). Penalties are not shared—except for the specific exceptions below.
Exceptions: Which obstacles must both athletes complete?
- Spear Throw and Fire Jump:
  - Both partners must complete these obstacles.
  - Spear Throw penalty: If either partner misses, both partners must complete the full penalty (e.g., 30 burpees).
    
    For the Spear Throw, each athlete must attempt a throw.
    
    If one athlete of a Doubles pair fails to hit the target then both athletes must complete 15 burpees. For example; if athlete A hits the target, but athlete B fails or vice versa.
    
    If both athletes fail their attempts, then both athletes must complete 30 burpees.
  - Fire Jump: Both must complete the obstacle. If a penalty is designated for failure, both complete it.
Do we need to arrive at obstacles together?
- Yes. Both athletes must arrive together and remain visible to race staff. One partner may wait while the other completes the obstacle.

How are Doubles ranked?
- Standard Spartan rules apply with Doubles-specific protocols.
- Doubles Age Group pairs are ranked against other Doubles Age Group pairs only. Mixed- and same-sex pairs are ranked together within Age Group.
- Doubles competitors are not included in individual Age Group standings due to different obstacle rules.
Do Doubles finishes count toward Trifecta?
- Yes. Each completed Doubles race (Sprint, Super, Beast, or Ultra) counts toward Trifecta and Multi-Trifecta, consistent with the course distance completed.
What finisher items do we receive?
- Each athlete receives the same finisher items as standard products.

Which heat do Doubles start in?
- Doubles pairs start within the standard heats for their category and race (e.g., an 18–24 Age Group Doubles pair starts with the 18–24 Age Group heat).

Where is Doubles being tested?
- Scheduled test event: Spartan Central Florida, December 14 (Super format).
Will Doubles be available at all events?
- A global, optional rollout is targeted for 2026, subject to test results and product updates. Availability will be listed on event registration pages as the program expands.

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