AGOGE RACE FOR OUTSIDE

Excerpt from the article orginally published by Outside Magazine: 

Inspired by brutal 7th century training tactics of their namesake, Spartan, the organizer of some of the world’s toughest obstacle course races, has introduced the Agoge event. The race, which takes place on company founder Joe DeSena’s Vermont farm, is a brutal physical and mental test designed around team building and development that can take up to 60 hours. Grueling hikes, schelping kayaks filled with water, carrying other teammates, and 100-foot rappels are all part of the deal, which can last up to 60 hours. In order to compete in the Agoge, participants must have previous military and/or obstacle course experience; the race draws an exceptionally proven crowd. This summer, photographer Monica Donovan set up at the starting line to learn a little more about some of the participants who have overcome massive life obstacles to compete.