If I were going to run one final fitness race in 2025, I’d run this one

Fitness racing has never been bigger and there are plenty of events to compete in. One that stands out—especially to me right now, sitting in rainy London—is the Spartan World Championship on the Croatian island of Hvar, held October 10-12.

The event, in its second year, holds both invite and qualifier-only elite competitions, and open-to-all 5K, 10K and 21km obstacle course races.

The unique courses make the most of the setting, with the 5K featuring three dips in the pristine waters of the beach resort, stretches along coastal trails and a run through the town.

And of course, there’s the signature spear throw, trying to make it stick in the target 25 feet away, as well as plenty of climbing, clambering and carrying whichever distance you sign up for. Image credit: Spartan Image