Welcome to Legend of the Death Race, where we inspire and guide endurance athletes on their journey to becoming legends

Originally, this site was a blog I created to hold myself accountable while training for the Death Race, but it has since grown into a community that offers a wealth of resources, including a bestselling book, podcast, and curated collection of obstacle and endurance-related information. 

Our mission is to help athletes of all levels build mental toughness, push their limits, and conquer the most extreme endurance events, such as the Death Race, Tough Mudder, and Spartan Race. 

With our inspiration, education, and practical tips, you can gain the courage to start, the power to overcome, and the wisdom to learn from your mistakes and successes. 

Join our community today and start your journey to becoming a legend.

Latest Blogs

Real Men Cry, Hold the Line, and Go to Therapy

June 7, 2025 by Tony Matesi Somewhere along the way, masculinity got hijacked.

It was whittled down to something hollow. Loud. Fragile. A checklist of traits that have more to do with fear than strength.
Grow a beard. Listen to a Joe Rogan podcast. Lift heavy things. Never cry. Dominate the room. Talk over people. Never, ever admit weakness.
Read More Motivation

The Smart Way Isn’t Soft: A Perspective on Purpose-Driven Endurance

May 5, 2025 by Tony Matesi Read More Motivation

The Call of the Trails: The Heart Behind SISU 24 PNW

April 28, 2025 by Tony Matesi Read More News, Race Reviews

Be Like Naruto: How One Ninja’s Story Could Help Us Heal Our World

April 21, 2025 by Tony Matesi Read More Motivation

Unlearning the Scoreboard: A Second Shot at Real Development

April 16, 2025 by Tony Matesi Read More Motivation

Strength Isn’t Shouting Into the Storm: Why Resilience Doesn’t Need a Spotlight

April 16, 2025 by Tony Matesi Read More Motivation

Why I Race With My Demons: Masochism, Military Envy, and the Stoic Path to Healing

April 12, 2025 by Tony Matesi Read More Mental Health, Motivation

Modern Stoicism in a Chaotic World: How Endurance Racing Primes You for a Stoic Life

April 8, 2025 by Tony Matesi Read More Motivation

Dancing with Death (and the Dow): Enduring Through the Crash

April 7, 2025 by Tony Matesi Read More News

When “The Hard Way” Isn’t the Smart Way

April 4, 2025 by Tony Matesi Read More Motivation

MY LEGEND BEGINS HERE

When I took on the Death Race for the first time, I had no idea what I was getting into. That year, I had to summon all the Courage I had just to start. The next year, after recovering from shoulder surgery, I had to rebuild my Power. And in my third and final attempt, I finally put it all together, drawing on the Wisdom I had gained to earn my official finish.

Now, I’ve shared my full journey in a revised and edited book, available in Hardcover, Paperback, eBook, and Audiobook—where I narrate the story myself. You can also read the original, unedited blog entries from each year:

 
 

If you’re looking for inspiration, lessons learned, or just a wild endurance story, dive into the blog. And if you want to explore other legendary tales of Courage, Power, and Wisdom, join the book club.

The Death Race changed me. Maybe my story can help you on your own path to becoming a legend.