International fitness racing brand DEKA, created by Spartan, has delivered two major international events in Chicago, IL, and Manchester, UK, attracting thousands of competitors and setting new participation benchmarks.
In the US, DEKA Chicago welcomed more than 2,200 athletes to Navy Pier from July 10–12, 2026. The event featured competitors representing 274 gyms across Chicagoland and beyond. Almost three-quarters of competitors (73%) were making their DEKA debut.
Women made up 51% of the overall field in Chicago and 59% of competitors in the two-person team division. Almost half of all participants (46%) chose to race as part of a team. While 56% of entrants came from the Greater Chicago area, international athletes also took part, including one competitor travelling 9,282 miles (14,938km) from Bondi Junction, Australia.
Tyler Spencer, Event Director at DEKA, said “Chicago perfectly captured what DEKA is all about. Yes, we saw world-class performances, but what stood out just as much was seeing so many first-time racers alongside experienced athletes. That’s where the future of fitness is headed – towards communities that challenge each other, support each other and celebrate every finish line.”
The Chicago weekend also yielded a new world record. Elite athletes Lauren Weeks and Janelle Teal set a new DEKA Teams World Record, completing the DEKA FIT course in 27:41 and breaking a mark that had stood since 2024.
Lauren Weeks, HYROX Elite 15 athlete and three-time HYROX World Champion, said “Start lines and signing up for things where we are making ourselves vulnerable can be scary. But there is so much value in pushing for excellence within ourselves. It carries over to what we do and how we carry ourselves outside of sport.
“Keep chasing those goals, keep chasing those big dreams, keep putting yourself in situations and environments that challenge you. By investing in bettering yourself, you are investing in your community and your loved ones around you.”
Following the event in Illinois, DEKA hosted its largest UK event to date at Manchester Central from July 24–26, 2026. DEKA Manchester welcomed 4,890 total attendees, including 2,936 registered racers, 1,788 spectators, 78 Family Wave participants and 88 pit crew members.
Athletes represented 752 gyms and training communities across 23 nations, including Spain, Ireland, Italy, Germany, the United States, Australia and the UAE. Gym communities with large contingents included Ffitrwydd Môn Fitness, Caveman Training and The Boxing Lab. While approximately one in eight competitors originated from Greater Manchester, 81% of the field were taking part in their first-ever DEKA FIT event.
Demographics in Manchester mirrored the US event, with women accounting for 51% of all competitors and 60% of team racers. Overall team participation reached 53%, while competitors ranged in age from 10 to 74 years old, with an average age of 41.
Emily leRoux, Vice President at DEKA International, said “What happened in Manchester demonstrates that fitness racing is no longer a niche concept – it’s becoming a genuine participation movement. Seeing athletes from more than 750 gyms come together, with many experiencing DEKA FIT for the first time, shows there’s a real appetite for measurable challenges that bring communities together.
“For gym operators, DEKA creates another reason for members to train consistently, support one another and celebrate progress. It’s not just about race day; it’s about giving people a goal that strengthens engagement throughout the year.”
Created by obstacle course racing company Spartan, DEKA events follow a standardised format that allows athletes to track performances globally through an official ‘DEKA Mark’.
The course features ten functional fitness zones – including rowing, SkiErg, weighted lunges, farmer’s carries, tank or sled push and pull, wall overs and burpees – combined with running intervals designed to test strength, endurance and strategy.
