Sep 12 · Angel StadiumSeptember 12, 2026 · Angel Stadium of Anaheim

Your Race Prep Guide

First Spartan? You've got this. Here's everything you need to show up confident, finish strong, and have fun doing it.

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5-Week Training Plan

A simple week-by-week plan that ramps you from day one to the Angel Stadium start line — built for first-timers and seasoned racers alike.

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~5K

Stadium course

~20

Obstacles

Mud or mountain

The course

What to expect

The Spartan Stadion is a stadium obstacle race — roughly a 5K with about 20 obstacles, run through the concourses, ramps, stairs, and field of Angel Stadium. There's no mud and no mountain, which makes it one of the most beginner-friendly ways to take on Spartan.

A stadium OCR flows in short bursts: you'll run a stretch, hit an obstacle, complete it (or do your penalty burpees), then keep moving to the next one. The contained layout means help, water, and cheering crowds are never far away — and you can pace yourself between obstacles. Your only real goal is to finish, and the course is built so first-timers do exactly that.

Gear

What to wear & bring

What to wear

Lightweight, moisture-wicking shirt and shorts or leggings (avoid cotton — it stays heavy when wet).
Trail or grippy running shoes you don't mind getting scuffed.
A snug fit overall — nothing baggy that can snag on an obstacle.
Optional: lightweight gloves for better grip on bars and walls.
A hat or visor and sunglasses for the daytime stadium sun.

What to bring

Your printed or mobile Spartan confirmation and a photo ID.
A reusable water bottle and a small post-race snack.
A change of clothes and a towel for after the race.
Sunscreen — much of the course is open to the sun.
A small bag for bag check (keep it light; some items aren't allowed inside).
Cash or card for parking, merchandise, and any add-ons.

Fuel

Nutrition & hydration

You don't need a special diet to finish a Stadion — just steady fuel and steady fluids. Here's a simple plan around race day.

The days before

Eat normally and lean toward familiar, easy-to-digest meals with some carbs. Start hydrating early — sip water throughout the day rather than chugging the morning of.

Race morning

Have a light, carb-forward breakfast 2–3 hours before your heat — oatmeal, a banana, toast with nut butter. Nothing new or heavy. Drink water with breakfast, then taper as your start approaches.

During the race

For a ~5K you mostly need water — grab it at on-course stations if available. If you run warm or sweat heavily, an electrolyte option helps. Keep sips small so you don't cramp.

After you finish

Rehydrate and have a snack with both carbs and protein within an hour — chocolate milk, a recovery shake, fruit and yogurt. Swing by the USANA suite for recovery tips and sampling.

Confidence

Obstacle confidence

You don't have to conquer every obstacle to be a Spartan — if one isn't for you today, you do a few burpees and move on. Here are the common types you'll see and simple advice for each.

Walls (4–6 ft)

Get a running start, plant a foot, and drive up with your arms. Don't be shy about asking a fellow racer for a boost — that's the Spartan spirit.

Monkey bars / rigs

Keep momentum and swing rather than dead-hang. A relaxed grip and steady rhythm beat raw strength.

Cargo nets & ramps

Step on the knots, not the gaps, and keep three points of contact. Look up at where you're going, not down.

Carries (sandbag / bucket)

Hug the weight close to your chest, take short steady steps, and rest by setting it down if you need to.

Burpees (the penalty)

Miss an obstacle? You'll do penalty burpees. Pace them — slow and controlled gets you back on course faster than burning out.

Game plan

Race-day logistics

Redeem on Spartan beforehand.Make sure you've already redeemed your USANA voucher code on Spartan's site and completed registration well before race day — your spot isn't confirmed until you do.
Arrive early. Give yourself plenty of time for parking, check-in, and finding your way around the stadium. Rushing is the only thing that makes a first race stressful.
Check in & bag check. Pick up your bib and packet, then drop your bag at bag check. Keep your bag light and leave valuables at home or in the car.
Find the USANA Spartans. Look for the USANA crew at the meet-up area and the USANA suite. Say hi, snap a team photo, and line up with familiar faces before your heat.
Know your heat time. Heat and team start times are set by Spartan — double-check yours and be at the start corral a few minutes early.

Afterward

Recovery

Keep moving for a few minutes after you finish — a slow walk helps you cool down instead of stopping cold.
Rehydrate and refuel within the hour with carbs and protein.
Do some light stretching for your legs, hips, and shoulders once you've caught your breath.
Expect some next-day soreness — it's normal. Gentle movement, water, and rest help it pass faster.
Stop by the USANA suite for recovery guidance and to celebrate with the community.

Ready to line up with the USANA Spartans?

If you haven't claimed your complimentary race-registration voucher yet, now's the time. We'll have the USANA suite and USANA athletes on-site to cheer you on and help you recover.

Claim your voucher →

Training for it? Share your journey with #USANAxSpartan and tag @USANAinc.

2026 Angel Stadium Spartan Stadion Event · September 12, 2026 · Angel Stadium of Anaheim