Richard Lee Resigns From Spartan Race

Rob Howard / 01.01.2014

Earlier this week we reported on the publication of accusations that Spartan Race founder and UK race organiser Richard Lee had falsely claimed to have been a serving Royal Marine. (See this story.)

To cut a long story short, he had made those false claims, and after threatening legal action against his accusers, then issuing a statement which still seemed to blame the media for his actions, he has now resigned his role with Spartan Race. This followed a sustained social media campaign to get him to properly apologise and to resign his role.

The announcement came on the Spartan Race Facebook page yesterday and read as follows; Today, Spartan Race accepted the resignation of Richard Lee from his role as licensee and operator of Spartan Races in the United Kingdom. Joe De Sena, founder and CEO of Spartan Race, added, "Richard and I spoke at length regarding the inaccuracies surrounding his status as a Royal Marine, and ultimately, Richard and I concluded the only honourable thing for him to do would be to resign his position."

Spartan Race is committed to promoting wellness and healthy living around the world through the sport of obstacle racing, and is commencing the process of transferring the license in the United Kingdom to a new partner to ensure there is no disruption in the 2014 race calendar.

Spartan Race does not condone stolen valour in any form; whether someone trained with the military for one week or four years, they cannot be characterized as something they are not. We wish to apologize again to all those around the world who worked so hard to earn proud distinction serving their countries.”

Lee has also issued a much clearer apology saying publicly; “I was wrong, I am sorry, and I want to apologise for the fact I allowed it to be publicised that I had passed out from CTCRM as a Royal Marines Commando Officer.”

It is a sorry affair and Spartan Race will be keen to move on in the New Year, especially with its UK races.

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