The appointment with the Navy Caiman Race, the sporting event thatis much more than just a competition: it is an extreme experience that unites civilian and military athletes in an obstacle course of the highest level, all in the extraordinary setting of Portovenere (Le Grazie) Ligurian resort listed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
On Oct. 5 and 6, the quaint seaside village, located in the Gulf of Poets just a few kilometers from Cinque Terre, will be transformed into Italy's most fascinating and exciting obstacle course. The event, organized in collaboration between theENDAS national (National Democratic Social Action Organization) and the COM.SUB.IN. (Comando Raggruppamento Subacquei ed Incursori "Teseo Tesei"), represents a fusion of sports and military culture, and promises to test the physical strength, determination and team spirit of each participant.
The structure of the event and the symbolic value of veterans' participation
Two days, Oct. 5 and 6, for many formats, including, in addition to the 9-kilometer race for adults, an OCR (obstacle course race) "Kids" dedicated to younger children.
Also, two great new features: the Deka Spartan Original, a format named after the Greek word for Ten, the number of complete functional zones for all fitness levels. Each zone is based on rudimentary movements that with good training can be overcome; a competition inspired by thousands of years ago, when it wasn't called exercise, fitness or training ... it was just survival! And then, the 100 Gram 12 Obstacles: on a 100-meter, 12-obstacle course of Japanese ninja warrior format, two athletes at a time will battle it out with ever-increasing difficulty between walls, balances, suspensions; the fastest wins and the one who finishes the course without penalty.
All formats include military-inspired obstacles designed in collaboration with personnel from COMSUBIN, an elite unit of the Italian Navy. Participation is open to different categories of athletes, divided into Competitive e Open, each with its own selection criteria and awards. Podiums and trophies are provided for the best athletes in the Competitive category, while all participants will receive a "Finisher" medal.
One of the most prestigious elements of this race is the presence of the Navy veterans, which will provide an opportunity for participants to engage with figures who have dedicated their lives to military service. This coming together of athletes and veterans creates a unique context in which sporting challenge blends with respect for those who have served the country, fueling deep inspiration for the sporting and civilian community.
The key role of national ENDAS in promoting sports in the country Sport
ENDAS, one of the Sports Promotion Bodies most active in Italy, has a crucial role in the implementation of the Navy Caiman Race. The entity's goal is to spread the culture of sports among citizens, promoting values of inclusion, empowerment and passion. The collaboration with COM.SUB.IN. highlights the importance of this synergy between the civilian and military worlds, offering an unprecedented opportunity for those interested not only in testing themselves physically, but also in getting in touch with a reality of military discipline and preparation.
The participation of theENDAS is also critical to the logistics of the event, which requires a great deal of organizational effort, including site surveys, traffic blocking, and mapping the route, which runs between the Portovenere nature park and the COMSUBIN barracks. The involvement of the local associations and of the Civil Defense is equally important to ensure the safety of the athletes and the success of the event.
The Sports Village and family activities
Not just competition for adults: the Navy Caiman Race also stands out for its focus on families. A Sports Village in Porto Venere, in the locality of Le Grazie, where children's activities will be organized, including the Navy Caiman Kids. Younger children will be able to get closer to OCR (Obstacle Course Racing) discipline and participate in games such as the "Firefighter's Run," organized by the Fire Department, as well as disciplines such as judo, dance and diving activities under the guidance of COMSUBIN instructors.
This initiative reflects the mission of ENDAS to promote sports as an educational and growth tool, also involving the younger generation in a fun but at the same time formative environment. Families will have the opportunity to spend a weekend outdoors, immersed in nature and the values of sports.
For all participants and spectators, it will be a two-day event full of fun, commitment and rediscovery of the common values that make ENDAS and its commitment to the promotion of sports a key reference point on the national scene.
