County Executive Neuhaus Announces Spartan Race Coming to Orange County This Fall

Orange County Executive Steven M. Neuhaus is excited to announce that the Tri-State New York Spartan Event Weekend will take place on October 18-19, 2025 at the scenic Sunflower Valley Farm in New Hampton. This world-renowned obstacle race series is expected to draw thousands of athletes and spectators to the region.

Neuhaus was approached last Fall by friends through the military who asked if Orange County might be interested in hosting a Spartan Race. Preliminary meetings to determine what the requirements would be were held, and Neuhaus shared these necessary parameters with County municipalities. A few felt they had the appropriate space and accommodations and further meetings with Spartan personnel were set up with help from Assistant to the County Executive Mike Torelli and Amanda Dana, Director of Orange County Tourism and Film.

"Bringing the Spartan Race here is a huge win for our community," said Neuhaus. "It's an incredible opportunity to showcase our stunning scenery, vibrant towns, and unbeatable hospitality. Events like this create real excitement, boost our local economy, and put Orange County on the map as a must-visit destination. We can't wait to cheer on the athletes and welcome visitors to experience everything we have to offer!"

The event is expected to generate significant economic benefits for Orange County, driving business to local hotels, restaurants, and shops. Heather Bell, President and CEO of the Orange County Chamber of Commerce stated, "We're thrilled that Spartan has chosen to hold its October race right here in Orange County. This is a win for local businesses, both large and small, and will be a terrific economic boost. Kudos to County Executive Neuhaus and his team for making this happen for our County."

Visitors will not only experience the thrill of the Spartan Race but also have the chance to explore everything Orange County has to offer, from vibrant shops and eateries, wonderful hiking trails, and a variety of ice cream shops, wineries, and breweries at which to celebrate their achievement when the race is over. Denise Quinn, Supervisor of the Town of Wawayanda shared, "We're glad and grateful that the Spartan Race organizers have chosen New Hampton and the Town of Wawayanda for their Fall event. We take pride in our beautiful landscapes and strong community spirit, and we look forward to showing them off in October!"

Ford Farm has been in the Ford family since the 1930s and was mainly a dairy farm. As the dairy side was being phased out, Sunflower Valley Farm was created, inspired by the events of 9/11. Brian Ford, an owner/operator of Sunflower Valley, and the one who took Spartan officials on a tour of the site said, "If you had asked me four months ago what a Spartan Race was, I would have had no clue." Ford added, "It's exciting that we meet the space and accommodation requirements Spartan was looking for, and we're grateful for the opportunity to help bring this terrific event to Orange County."

Kevin Donahue, a Monroe-Woodbury graduate and local Spartan enthusiast, holds the world record for most amount of podium finishes in Spartan Races around the globe. Donahue stated, "The thrill of earning my 200^th podium is no more significant than the accomplishment of someone completing a Spartan Race for the first time. No matter your age, race, gender, or previous experience, the Spartan Race provides individuals an opportunity to push their boundaries and learn something new about themselves. With the event essentially 'in our backyard' this October, it couldn't be easier to check doing a Spartan Race off your bucket list. I thank Steve Neuhaus and all who worked to bring Spartan here. Hope to see you on the course!"

For more information about the event, visit: https://race.spartan.com/en/races/new-york-fall

For media inquiries, contact Rebecca Sheehan, Assistant to the County Executive, Director of Public Information and Media Relations, at 845-291-2700 or [email protected].

To learn more about what County Executive Neuhaus is doing for Orange County, follow Orange County Government and Steven M. Neuhaus on Facebook, @OrangeCountyNYGovt and @steve.neuhaus on Instagram, and @OCGovNY and @SNeuhausOC on X. You can also watch Neuhaus' NeuCast podcasts and Leadership Speaker Series on YouTube.

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