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Thanks to Western Illinois University alumnus, Cuba, IL, native and two-time Spartan Death Race Champion Joe Decker (far left), "The Ultimate Suck" — a contest that combines strenuous Midwestern farm chores with military boot camp, trail running, strongman training and other "somewhat punishing" activities to push racers to their ultimate physical and mental limits — will be held near Cuba the weekend beginning Friday, Sept. 4.
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WIU alumnus Joe Decker and one of The Ultimate Suck competitors for the 2014 event.
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WIU Alum's Extreme Fitness Test Coming to Western IL Labor Day Weekend; WIU Students Get Half Off for Any of Three Race Options

August 6, 2015

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MACOMB/CUBA, IL – It has been called one of the "10 most extreme fitness tests in America," and its name is "The Ultimate Suck." In 2014, the Livestrong Foundation said of the grueling 36-hour competition — which is coming to western Illinois Labor Day Weekend — "If it all sounds like it sucks, that's the point."

Thanks to Western Illinois University alumnus, Cuba, IL, native and two-time Spartan Death Race Champion Joe Decker, "The Ultimate Suck" — a contest that combines strenuous Midwestern farm chores with military boot camp, trail running, strongman training and other "somewhat punishing" activities to push racers to their ultimate physical and mental limits — will be held near Cuba the weekend beginning Friday, Sept. 4.

Decker (who is the Guinness Book of World Records holder for the "World's Fittest Man") said this year, the 36-hour race is set from 7 p.m Friday Sept. 4 through 7 a.m. Sunday, Sept. 6 at Decker's family's farm near Cuba. The 36-hour race registration cost is $299, with an additional $14.95 sign-up fee (see runsignup.com/Race/IL/Cuba/TheUltimateSUCK). There are also 12-hour and four-hour options (see the website above for start times of these options). Registration cost for the 12-hour race is $199 with a $11.94 sign-up fee, and registration cost for the four-hour race option is $99 with a $5.45 sign-up fee. Current WIU students are eligible for a 50 percent discount for the four-hour, 12-hour and 36-hour options. To receive the discount, use the registration coupon code: WIUSTUDENT.

"We would love to get even more Western students, as well as faculty and staff members, involved with the event this year," Decker said. "Those who are not competing can volunteer."

According to Decker, volunteers will help out at aid stations along the course to help keep racers safe. Volunteers are also invited to sport their workout gear to motivate racers on the course. In addition, Decker is also recruiting an individual or individuals interested in photographing or video recording the event. (Contact Race Manager Nicole Decker at nicole@gutcheckfitnes.com for information about course volunteering and/or photography and videography help.)

For those who choose to race, the competition will be a mix of strenuous activities for the duration of the 36-hour, 12-hour and four-hour race options. A list of mandatory equipment for racers is available at runsignup.com/Race/IL/Cuba/TheUltimateSUCK.

"The four-hour and the 12-hour will start the same time as the 36-hour race, but the shorter competitions will not have as many events," Decker explained. "I would strongly suggest competitors get proficient at all the military physical training tests and standards."

Decker owns and founded the San Diego-based boot camp Gut Check Fitness.

In 2011, he became the annual Spartan Death Race's first-ever two-time winner. In 2000, Decker made his mark on the fitness world by breaking the Guinness Book of World Records' 24-Hour Fitness Challenge, giving him the right to claim the title of "World's Fittest Man."

Decker graduated from WIU in 1998 with a bachelor's degree in exercise science (kinesiology), and he was recognized by Western with the 2009 College of Education and Human Services' Distinguished Alumni Award.

For more information, or to sign up as a volunteer, contact Nicole Decker, race director, at nicole@gutcheckfitness.com. Learn more about Gut Check Fitness at gutcheckfitness.com/.

Posted By: Teresa Koltzenburg (WIUNews@wiu.edu)
Office of University Communications & Marketing