DEKA vs. Turf Games: Distanz, Stationen, Preis & Schwierigkeit im Vergleich (2026-27)

DEKA is a functional fitness race series run by Spartan Race and billed as the decathlon of hybrid fitness racing. Every DEKA event uses the same ten DEKA Zones. The time for each zone and the total time are recorded, so athletes can compare results with their own previous marks and with a global leaderboard.

The flagship DEKA FIT puts 500 m of running before each zone, for 5 km in total. DEKA MILE uses 160 m runs for one mile in total, and DEKA STRONG is the ten zones with no running. There are also DEKA Ultra (50 zones and 25 km of running) and DEKA ATLAS, a heavier ten-zone test with a 30-minute cap. Athletes who finish STRONG, MILE and FIT in one calendar year earn the DEKA Trifecta. Heats include Elite, Age Group, Teams and Ruck, so the series suits gym-goers as well as competitive athletes.

Turf Games is a team-based functional fitness competition that tests strength, speed, endurance and teamwork. It started in 2018 as a way to bring London's fitness community together. It was founded by Andrew Manteit and now holds events in cities including London, Dubai, Singapore and Brisbane.

There are several competition formats. Fitness Festivals are run for teams of six athletes, with music, food and entertainment around the competition floor. The City Tour is for teams of four, ranked on one global leaderboard, and Engine is Turf Games' hybrid fitness race. Teams pick a division that matches their level: Everyday is the entry point, with lighter weights and no high-skill movements, while Intermediate and Elite bring heavier loads and more skilled elements. This makes Turf Games suitable for gym groups and friends competing together as well as experienced competitors.