Marathon runners, athletes or simple couch potatoes with the desire to get back in shape, it's time to arm yourself with shoes, energy bars and to run, run and run. But not in any race, but there Spartan Race Orte which on Saturday 28 April will take place in the beautiful city of Places. What is it about? What is special about this event?
Spartan Race Orte: the gladiator race
Born in America in 2005 with the name of Death Race (later changed in 2010), the Spartan Race is an obstacle course which refers to the war courses used for the training of soldiers. Initially it was a real test of physical and mental endurance, and included a series of challenges to be faced in 24 hours. Over the years the format has then become accessible to all, proposing more routes depending on the level of the competitors. Sprint, Super e Beast are the three types of races that characterize the Spartan Race, and differ in their difficulty. The Sprint is a journey of approx 6 km with 20-25 obstacles and it is the one, usually, suitable for everyone (or almost). The Super, on the other hand, foresees a challenge of about 13 km and more than 25 obstacles. Finally, for the more trained and experienced, there is the Beast with its path of at least 30 obstacles arranged over a distance of over 21 km. A tough test bench capable of putting anyone in difficulty.
The obstacles are various and, as previously mentioned, they refer to those used in military training courses. You run in the mud, under the barbed wire, in the water and even in the flames! There will also be walls to climb, ropes to climb and more, making our experience something of gladiatorial. And if facing it alone seems like a bad idea, don't panic. In fact, the opportunity to participate is granted even in teams, so that we always have someone ready to help us (and help).
Discovering Orte
In recent weeks, with the arrival of summer, the Spartan Race is affecting various locations in the beautiful country. And on April 28th he will stop in Orte, small town of Viterbo. Here time seems to have stopped and Saturday will be an excellent opportunity to discover the wonders of this magnificent village in Central Italy.
Located on the Tiber Valley, the city of Orte has always represented an important hub between Central and Southern Italy. Etruscans, Romans, Byzantines, Lombards and Arabs have inhabited the area for millennia, leaving important evidence of their passage. From the eighth century Orte was then donated to Pontifical State, making it in fact one of the first territories linked to the Church.
There are many works that can be discovered in the millenary alleys of the city. Of sure interest there House of Judas, so called because it is linked to a traitorous fellow citizen in the middle of the Middle Ages. From here, Pietro Iaco Franceschini - the one who will later be nicknamed the traitor - brought back hundreds of exiled people through a system of underground tunnels. A noble gesture according to some, but which caused many problems.
Also suggestive Church of Santa Maria Loreto where the Statue of the Madonna of Pompeii, but above all the Underground Garden and its Roman aqueduct. This series of tunnels, cisterns and underground fountains are a living testimony of the classical period of the city, attracting researchers and tourists from all over the world every year.
In short, the Spartan Race Orte can be an opportunity for sport and fun, but also a way to get to know a small, all-Italian pearl. There is no doubt, in fact, the charm and beauty that this city is able to give to anyone who decides to walk its ancient streets. Whether it's for a simple walk, or for a crazy ride like the one on Saturday.
Don't miss the Spartan Race Orte!