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2026 Volunteer Program: Perks & Benefits

  • Updated

2026 Spartan Volunteer Program: 
Perks & Benefits

 

Here's what you need to know:

General Program Overview

What is new about the Volunteer Program for 2026?

For the first time ever, the 2026 Volunteer Program is 100% globally unified under the Spartan House of Hard. This means our program now encompasses all major brands and owned markets, allowing for unprecedented flexibility and rewards across Spartan, Tough Mudder, and DEKA.
 

Earning Free Races

What do I earn for my volunteer shifts? We have updated our rewards to include all brands under the Spartan House of Hard. Use the table below to see what your shift earns you.

Volunteer Shift Earned Race Code (Valid For) Exchange/Upgrade Options
Half Day Shift

• Spartan: Sprint or Super, Trail 10K*

• Tough Mudder: 5K*

• DEKA: DEKA Fit* 

 Combine any 1 Half Day + 1 Full Day to trade for a Spartan Ultra, Trail Ultra or DEKA Ultra or Tough Mudder Infinity.
Combine any 2 half day shifts for a Spartan Beast, Trail 21K or Tough Mudder 15K.
Full Day Shift • Spartan: Sprint, Super, or Beast, Trail 21K*

• Tough Mudder: 5K or 15K* 		 Combine any 2 Full Day Shifts to trade for a Spartan Ultra, Trail Ultra or DEKA Ultra or Tough Mudder Infinity.
5 Full Day Shifts (Accumulated in participating markets - US, Canada, UK and WEU) Exchange for a 2027 CANADA Season Pass or World's Toughest Mudder (individual entry only).
7 Full Day Shifts (Accumulated in participating markets - US, Canada, UK and WEU) Exchange for a 2027 UK Season Pass or 2027 WEU Country-Specific Season Pass (in participating markets).
8 Full Day Shifts (Accumulated in participating markets - US, Canada, UK and WEU) Exchange for a 2027 UK ULTRA Season Pass, 2027 WEU Country-Specific ULTRA Season Pass: Spain, France, or Endurance Pass: Italy
10 Full Day Shifts

 		 (Accumulated in participating markets - US, Canada, UK and WEU) Exchange for a 2027 US Season Pass or 2027 Europe Pass
15 Full Day Shifts

 		 (Accumulated in participating markets - US, Canada, UK and WEU) Exchange for a 2027 US/Canada Ultra Season Pass.

 

Using Your Race Codes (Global & Cross-Brand)

How do I receive my race code? You will be issued your race code immediately when you check out at the end of your shift. It will be handed to you on a card - don't lose it!

  • Important: These codes are like cash. Once issued, they will not be reissued under any circumstances. 
    We strongly recommend taking a picture of your code immediately for your records.

What heats/events can I use my code on?
*Volunteer codes are valid for Elite, Age Group or Open heats. Volunteer codes are NOT valid for Championship Heats. When registering for DEKA Team events, volunteer code may be used for 1 of 2 total team entries; if both participants are planning to use volunteer codes, please complete the Volunteer Code Exchange form to request an updated code.

Can I transfer my code to a friend or family member? Yes! Codes are fully transferable. They are not tied to your specific name until they are redeemed during registration. This is a great way to help a friend race for free!

Are the race codes restricted to the specific brand I volunteered for? No. While you earn the code associated with the brand where you volunteered, you have the option to trade it in for alternate brands within the House of Hard or other eligible international markets.

  • Example: You can earn a code at a US Spartan race and trade it for a UK Tough Mudder entry.
  • Eligible Brands: Spartan, Tough Mudder and DEKA
  • Eligible Markets: USA, Canada, UK, WEU (WEU: Spain (OCR only), France, Italy, Germany, Austria, Greece, Finland, Netherlands)*
    (*Participating markets subject to change at any time)

How do I trade in my code for a different brand, international market, or Ultra upgrade? 
If you wish to exchange your earned code(s) for a different market or an Ultra distance, please fill out our automated Code Exchange Form here. 

Do I have to pay any fees when using my volunteer code? 
No. Volunteer race codes provide 100% off the applicable race type, including fees and taxes.

  • Note: If you add extra products during checkout (e.g., race photos, venue shirts, SpartanTabs), you are responsible for the additional fees and/or taxes resulting from those specific add-ons.

When does my code expire?
2026 Volunteer Codes will expire 1 year from the date it is issued to you. 
Example: If you are handed your code on December 12, 2025, your code will expire on December 12, 2026.

However, Volunteer codes can be used for any event in the current year, or the following year, that is open for registration. 
 

Gear, Swag, and Food

What gear do I receive for volunteering?

At EVERY shift, volunteers receive:

  • A Volunteer T-shirt.
  • A baseball hat with a Velcro patch receiver.
  • A Regional Volunteer Patch.
  • A Venue Specific Patch (available in participating markets).
  • A Volunteer Hex Coin (collectible).

Are there special perks for new volunteers?

Yes. First-Time Volunteers (those volunteering for their very first time in 2026, even if you've volunteered with us in previous years!) who complete a Full Day Shift will receive an exclusive tactical-style backpack with room to display patches.

Is food provided during the shift?

  • All Volunteers: Provided with light snacks and water throughout the shift. 
  • Full Day Volunteers: Provided with a light lunch in addition to snacks and water.
     

Important Logistics

When do I receive my free race code?

You will receive your code immediately when you check out at the end of your shift.

What happens if I lose my race code card? 

Please treat your code like cash. We strongly recommend taking a picture of your code immediately for your records. Once a code is issued to you at checkout, it will not be reissued under any circumstances.

Can I race before my volunteer shift and use my future credit and/or get refunded?
No. You can race prior to many volunteer shifts, but you need to use a volunteer code that you earned previously. 

  • You can not use a future credit to race and then complete a volunteer shift to cover it.
  • You may not pay for your race then volunteer and request a refund.

I’m an Unbreakable Passholder! Can I still get credit for my shift, to count toward my Unbreakable pass Renewal?

Yes! Just let your Volunteer Coordinator know when you check out of your volunteer shift. You will NOT receive a race code if you choose to apply your shift toward your Unbreakable Pass renewal. You will still receive any other physical items you are eligible for. 
Note: ONLY Full Day Volunteer Shifts are eligible for Unbreakable Pass renewal credit. Half day shifts can not be combined for credit.


 

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