When Derek Russell first spoke to Hua Hin Today in December 2022 about setting up a Spartan training group in Hua Hin with friend Paul Van Slyke, he hoped to attract a handful of fitness enthusiasts.
Fast forward to today, and the Hua Hin Spartans have grown into a thriving community of more than 400 members on Facebook, with regular weekly training sessions and a spirit of support that goes far beyond physical fitness.
The group’s reputation has even spread internationally, with some people choosing to visit Hua Hin specifically to train with the Hua Hin Spartans.
Spartan, the world’s largest obstacle course race, attracts over one million participants globally each year, and its popularity in Thailand is on the rise. Hua Hin Spartans’ growth comes at an opportune time, with the Spartan Race returning to Hua Hin from 31 May to 1 June.
The group meets three times a week for training sessions, averaging 20 to 30 participants each time, depending on the season. Sunday mornings focus on obstacle practice, while Tuesdays and Thursdays are dedicated to ‘Deka Fit’ training, a run-obstacle-run workout affiliated with Spartan Race.
The Spartans train at King of Muay Thai Gym on Soi 94, a facility that has expanded significantly in recent months. Thanks to the support of gym owner Cedric, the venue now boasts around 24 to 25 Spartan-standard obstacles. Derek says he believes the gym is probably the best equipped Spartan gym in Thailand.
While the physical development is impressive, it is the positive atmosphere that has been the foundation of the group’s success.
“The biggest factor is the community,” Derek said.
“You never really hear negativity in our group. When we organise social events, like a Christmas party, birthday celebrations, or the ‘Spartan Games’ on the beach, everyone turns up and gets involved”, he added.
“I just provide a framework for people to thrive in. They can grow themselves, but it’s the other members who help make it happen. Honestly, I feel really proud when I see someone learning something new and other Spartans stepping in to help them. I don’t think it gets better than that.”
“Overall, the biggest factors in making the group a success are the community spirit, the supportive nature, and the positivity that runs through everything we do.”\
That inclusive attitude has produced many success stories. Members who had never competed before have now stood on podiums at races in Phuket and Singapore. At the Spartan World Championships in Abu Dhabi last year, the team had 11 members competing, all of whom successfully completed the gruelling 21-kilometre course through the desert, which featured between 30 and 35 obstacles.
Preparation for Abu Dhabi was rigorous. Training included regular beach runs, starting with distances of 5 to 6 kilometres and building up to 15 to 16 kilometres. Sessions also involved carrying obstacles up hills to replicate the challenge of climbing sand dunes, as well as intensive hill runs at Hin Lek Fai, complete with sandbags and buckets to simulate race conditions.
The effort paid off, with Adrienne securing third place and Derek himself finishing fourth in their respective categories, and every member finishing the race.
“Finishing a race like that is a huge achievement in itself,” Derek said. “The training was tough, but it prepared us well, and to have so many people succeed at a World Championship event shows the strength of the group.”
In addition to their success at the World Championships, the Hua Hin Spartans have also achieved top honours closer to home, winning the Asian Spartan Championship, with Derek and wife Orn finishing 1st in their respective age groups.
Personal transformations have also been a key part of the group’s impact. Derek points to members like Katherine, who has gained significant confidence since joining, and Jason, who has undergone a noticeable physical transformation over the past year. The group includes members of all ages, including in their 60s and 70s, highlighting that Spartan training is accessible to anyone willing to give it a try.
“We sometimes hear people say they’re intimidated after seeing our videos because everyone looks so fit,” Derek explained. “But everyone starts somewhere. We scale everything to the individual’s ability. Small achievements, like climbing a rope for the first time, are major milestones for people.”
Derek also highlighted his wife Orn, who plays an important role in supporting the group, including videoing many of the training sessions — an effort that has really helped to promote Hua Hin Spartans on social media.
The success of the group has also been built with the help of dedicated individuals such as Johan Rosen, who played a key role in building many of the obstacles and is known for his patience and encouragement towards newcomers.
Looking ahead, Derek’s focus is no longer on his own race results. Instead, he finds satisfaction and takes pride in seeing others achieve goals they once thought impossible.
As preparations continue for four Spartan events in Thailand this year, including the Hua Hin race, Derek and the Hua Hin Spartans remain passionate about offering a space where everyone — regardless of age, experience or fitness level — can strive towards new goals.
For more information or to get involved, those interested can find the Hua Hin Spartans group on Facebook.