(April 25-26) For the Bold: Spartan Trifecta Weekend 🧗♂️🔥
The Race Lineup
The Beast (21K / 30 Obstacles) - Saturday: The heavy hitter.
The Ultra (50K / 60 Obstacles) - Saturday: For the elite few.
The Super (10K / 25 Obstacles) - Sunday: The "middle child"—faster than the Beast
The Sprint (5K / 20 Obstacles) - Sat & Sun: The gateway race.
The Kids Race (1-3K) - Sat & Sun: Spartans in training! Ages 4-14 can participate
Get ready for the mud. From April 25th to 26th, 2026, thousands of athletes from across the country will descend on Mountain Creek Resort to take on the Tri-State New Jersey Spartan Trifecta Weekend.
This isn't just a race; it's a test of everything our terrain has to offer. With over 1,000 feet of vertical climb and a summit reaching nearly 1,500 feet, Vernon Peak is the ultimate "Spartan" playground. Whether you’re racing, spectating, or just trying to figure out why everyone in town is covered in mud, here is your complete guide.
What is a "Trifecta Weekend"?
Most Spartan events only offer one or two distances. A Trifecta Weekend is the "holy grail"—it means Spartan is hosting every major distance over two days. Those brave enough can complete a Sprint, Super, and Beast in a single weekend to earn the legendary Trifecta medal.
The Race Lineup
The Beast (21K / 30 Obstacles) - Saturday: The heavy hitter. Expect steep ascents, heavy carries (sandbags and buckets), and the famous "Stairway to Sparta."
The Ultra (50K / 60 Obstacles) - Saturday: For the elite few. This is essentially two laps of the Beast course plus a few "extra credit" obstacles.
The Super (10K / 25 Obstacles) - Sunday: The "middle child"—faster than the Beast but longer than the Sprint. Perfect for the athlete who wants to test their endurance.
The Sprint (5K / 20 Obstacles) - Sat & Sun: The gateway race. It's short, punchy, and packed with the classic obstacles like the Rope Climb and Spear Throw.
The Kids Race (1-3K) - Sat & Sun: Spartans in training! Ages 4-14 can take on their own dedicated course with mini-obstacles.
The Course: Why Vernon is "Special"
Ask any veteran Spartan: the New Jersey race at Mountain Creek is notorious. Why?
The Vertical: The race often goes straight up the face of the mountain. Your calves will feel it before you even hit the first obstacle.
The Terrain: Expect a mix of technical forest trails, muddy swamps, and open rocky slopes.
The Elements: April in the Highlands can be 70 degrees or it can snow. Being prepared for anything is half the battle.
Spectator Guide: How to Watch
You don't have to get muddy to be part of the energy!
The Festival Area: Located at the base of the mountain, this is the hub. You can see the Start Line, the Finish Line, and the iconic Fire Jump right from the festival grounds.
Lift Access: Often, Mountain Creek will run the Cabriolet or a chairlift for spectators (tickets required). Taking the lift to the top offers incredible views of racers tackling obstacles near the summit.
The Vibe: There are DJs, vendor tents, food trucks, and plenty of beer to enjoy while you cheer on your friends.
Know Before You Go:
Parking: General parking is usually at the off-site lots (like the Red Tail lot) with a shuttle ride to the base. VIP Parking is available right at the South Lodge but sells out weeks in advance.
The "Hex" System: In 2026, Spartan has moved to a modular "Hex" medal system. Finishers get a magnetic coin that snaps into a larger base—making it easier than ever to display that Trifecta pride.
