Extreme Fitness Test Coming to Western IL Labor Day Weekend; WIU Alum's 'Ultimate Suck' Race to Give WIU Students Discount

University News

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 over the 2015 Labor Day Weekend.
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Extreme Fitness Test Coming to Western IL Labor Day Weekend; WIU Alum's 'Ultimate Suck' Race to Give WIU Students Discount

June 22, 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 2013, the Livestrong Foundation said of the grueling 36-hour competition—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 over the 2015 Labor Day Weekend.

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 – 7 a.m. Sunday, Sept. 6 at Decker's family's farm near Cuba. The 36-hour race registration cost is $275, with an additional $13.75 sign-up fee (see runsignup.com/Race/IL/Cuba/TheUltimateSUCK). There is also a 12-hour option, which is set from 7 p.m. Friday, Sept. 4 through 7 a.m. Saturday, Sept. 5, and registration cost for the 12-hour race is $150 with a $9 sign-up fee.

Current WIU students are eligible for a 50 percent discount for both the 12-hour and 36-hour options. The coupon code to receive the discount is "WIU" and students will need to show their valid WIU IDs when they check in for their individual race options (12-hour or 36-hour race). Racers can register online at runsignup.com/Race/IL/Cuba/TheUltimateSUCK.

"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 volunteering, of course, are encouraged to enter the race."

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. As for those who choose to race, the competition will be a mix of strenuous activities for the duration of the 36-hour and 12-hour race options.

"The 12-hour will start the same time as the 36-hour race, but will only be roughly one-third of the 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, 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/.