Life as a missionary student has all kinds of challenges, but Maciej Zielinski SVD went looking for even more obstacles recently when he competed in the gruelling Spartan Race in Melbourne.

Maciej, from Poland, is in formation to be a Divine Word Missionary and is currently spending time in the AUS Province as part of the SVD Overseas Training Program.

The Spartan Race is an obstacle cross-country race, recognised as one of the toughest fitness challenges around. It is run over three distances: Sprint – 7km with 20 obstacles; Super – 14km and 30 obstacles, and Combo – 21km and 50 obstacles. About 4000 people took part in the race in various stages.

“My distance was 14km plus 30 very difficult obstacles,” Maciej says. “I trained for this for a few months.”

Maciej took part in a similar competition back home in Poland, but says the Spartan Race was tougher yet.

“The obstacles in Australia are more demanding,” he says.

“For me, taking part in this race is about overcoming weaknesses. Everyone who crosses the finish line is a winner.

“The main slogan of the event is ‘Never Give Up’, and during the race, many people who don’t know each other, help each outer out.

“I have one simple rule: when I don’t have enough strength, I start to pray with simple prayers. That helps me to overcome my weak body.”

But the Spartan Race is not all torture, Maciej says. There’s plenty of fun involved too.

“People have a lot of fun during the race. For example, it’s fun in the mud obstacle, the water obstacle and when you have to throw a spear,” he says.

“People make good friendships and for me, I found it really motivating when I saw a very old lady participating in the Spartan Race.”

Maciej says he’s thankful that he’s able to continue competing in extreme marathons and challenges like the Spartan Race during his missionary formation.

“I’m truly grateful for this opportunity,” he says. “I want to thank God for giving me determination and talent.

“I also want to thank my superiors and all who supported me on the track and beyond.

“I’m truly convinced that running and any physical activities play a role in developing our body and our spirit.

“During running you can pray when you fight against your weaknesses.”

Maciej says his next goal is to place in the top 3 of a similar competition.

“I feel that I can do it,” he says.