David Lloyd Leisure (DLL) has announced a new exclusive partnership with Reebok Spartan Race UK as the operator moves to gain a foothold in the burgeoning outdoor race market.

DLL is offering Spartans the chance to shape up ahead of their gruelling obstacle race with a free 14-day trial at their local club. Spartan-inspired group exercises have been devised to prepare and encourage them to take on one of the world’s toughest obstacle course races.

Reebok Spartan Race UK has three options: a 5km ‘sprint’, a 13km ‘super’ and a 20km ‘beast’ course, which each include a series of obstacles designed to test competitors’ mental and physical strength. Each Reebok Spartan Race includes a junior event (4 – 14 years of age), ranging from 0.75km to 2km in length, and featuring up to 14 obstacles to test the stamina of every youngster who is up for the challenge.

DLL is also urging its own members to ‘Spartan Up’, with the offer of a 15 per cent discount on the Spartan entry fee. Members can gear up for the challenges with ‘Gym Adventure’ sessions and ‘Synergy Adventure 360’ workouts at local clubs, designed to improve strength, agility and endurance exercises.

“We are thrilled to have joined the obstacle course race revolution and be partnering with Spartan UK,” said DLL group health and fitness manager Michelle Dand.

“The races are a fantastic way to challenge friends and colleagues, or enjoy a fun day for all the family – whatever your age, level or ambition.”

Outdoor and endurance events have become increasingly popular in recent years, with extreme fitness identified as a major trend in the Fitness Foresight section of the 2015 Health Club Management Handbook (p.20)

Since then, gyms have announced a number of tie-ups with outdoor events. Last year it was Pure Gym that teamed up with the 2015 Reebok Spartan Race series and the Great Run Series; while low cost gym chain Xercise4Less unveiled a tie-up with Total Warrior. Meanwhile, Nuffield Health was recently named as the official Health & Wellbeing Partner for mass-participation giant Human Race for the next two years.

To read a feature on how health club operators can benefit from the growing popularity of extreme fitness events – from the October 2015 edition of Health Club Management – click here.