Encamp's 10th Spartan Race Draws 800 Kids, 4200 Adults in Andorra Spectacle

Encamp launched the 10th edition of the Spartan Race Encamp-Andorra on Friday with its third Spartan Kids event, drawing nearly 800 pupils from local schools in Encamp and Pas de la Casa. Children tackled 1-3 km courses featuring more than 10 obstacles, earning signature black headbands and medals cheered by families.

Encamp councillor for Finance, Sports and Economic Reactivation Nino Marot described the kids race as a mix of athletic challenge, teamwork and perseverance. He emphasised its educational benefits, exposing young participants to the rigours facing the 4,200 adult entrants over Saturday and Sunday. Marot thanked hundreds of volunteers—including some from abroad—and schools for assisting at demanding obstacles. He added that prior outreach to residents, businesses and hoteliers had minimised disruptions from traffic and parking limits.

The main races continued Saturday with the Ultra (50 km, 60 obstacles starting at 7:30am), Beast (21 km, 30 obstacles from 9am) and Sprint (5 km, 20 obstacles). Sunday featured the Super (10 km, 25 obstacles from 9am) and remaining Sprints. Courses pass through natural zones near Engolasters, the town centre and Prat Gran de l'Areny village, the central hub for starts, finishes and celebrations. Organisers expect top Ultra finishers to complete the course in 6.5 to 8 hours.

Entries rose 10-12% from last year, with 200-206 Andorran adults among the 4,200 competitors. Event director Ángel Sanz described it as Europe's toughest obstacle race, crediting local administrative flexibility and community involvement. He noted 55% of participants are first-time visitors to Andorra, 33% are Spartan newcomers and 50.1% come from outside Spain. Over 10 years, the event has attracted 35,000 athletes and 120,000 visitors. This edition includes tributes to historic winners, the top 10 most frequent completers and the one athlete who has run every race, plus special anniversary merchandise.

Andorra Turisme provides €90,000 in support, as it has since year one. Director general Betim Budzaku stressed its value in extending summer tourism, which has grown 70% over seven or eight years from almost nothing. Last year, 95.1% of entrants were non-residents, each averaging 3.2 companions and 2.1 nights' stays, for nearly €2 million in indirect spending. Participant satisfaction averaged above 8/10, with 8.7/10 for recommendations.

Marot called it Encamp's flagship event, moved from Grau Roig to the town centre in 2020 during the pandemic, with strong hotel and restaurant bookings this year. Traffic controls remain on Avinguda Joan Martí (from Prat del Genil roundabout to Avinguda de Rouillac) from Friday 9:15am to Sunday 8pm, plus periodic closures at Rotonda del Poblet, the Museu Nacional de l'Automòbil zone, Avinguda François Mitterrand near Feixes del Funicamp parking, Carrer del Riu Blanc from Rotonda del Vial and Prat de Genil to Carrer del Mirador. School buses operated normally Friday morning but face afternoon restrictions through Sunday. Lines L2 and L4 reroute via upper Avinguda Joan Martí. Authorities advise planning ahead and following signs.