Spartan has invested in long-distance hiking event series HIGHLANDER, forming a strategic partnership. The partnership aims to support the growth of HIGHLANDER, which currently holds events in 13 countries, and will add adventure hiking into Spartan's portfolio of tough fitness events.

“Spartan is all about creating tough experiences to transform lives,” said Spartan founder and CEO Joe De Sena. “Investing in and partnering with HIGHLANDER allows us to challenge even more people across the world to participate in tough activities they may have never thought possible. We're excited to work with HIGHLANDER to grow their global reach and offer the Spartan community another opportunity to step out of their comfort zones."

Related: 4 Hardcore Ways to Train for a Spartan Race on Your Hike

2 Brands, 1 Goal: To Change Lives

The partnership is a natural fit, as Spartan and HIGHLANDER share similar goals: changing lives and encouraging mental and physical well-being.

As part of the partnership, HIGHLANDER will have the opportunity to present its concept to a wider audience and pursue its core goals.

“We want to inspire people to ascend from their routine to a better self while contributing to a better world,” said HIGHLANDER CEO Jurica Barac. “HIGHLANDER offers a fantastic, once-in-a-lifetime adventure in some of the most amazing places around the world. That is why we are truly honored to have Spartan – the leading global endurance sports brand — as our partner. Together, we will change lives across the world.”

3 Event Types Across 13 Countries (and Counting)

The partnership is a significant step toward realizing the enormous potential of hiking globally, with multi-day hiking experiences in the world's most iconic locations. Currently, HIGHLANDER events are in Austria, Greece, Portugal, the United Arab Emirates, Bosnia and Hercegovina, Morocco, Serbia, Croatia, Montenegro, Slovenia, Egypt, North Macedonia, and Spain. 

Related: Train Like the World Is Your Obstacle Course

Since its inception in 2016, the Croatian-based company has been connecting hiking enthusiasts in 13 countries around the world. With its three event formats — HIGHLANDER EXPERIENCE (2 days, 30km) HIGHLANDER55 (3 days, 55km), and HIGHLANDER (5 days, 100km) — HIGHLANDER events are brining hiking into the mainstream, and reaching more people than ever. For more information on HIGHLANDER, and where you can find their events, click here.