Keeping the Dream Alive: Joey McGlamory on the Power of the Spartan Para World Championships

When the gates opened in Orlando, Florida, for the Spartan Para World Championships, the energy was impossible to miss. From the moment attendees arrived, excitement rippled through every corner of the venue.

“The atmosphere was electric,” says Joey McGlamory, CEO and Co-Founder of Dealers of Hope. “The athletes were hyped beyond belief—and so was everyone else. The Spartan staff, volunteers, even the parking attendants were excited. We all knew it was going to be a very special weekend.”

A Dream Decades in the Making

For McGlamory, being present at the Para World Championships was far more than just another race weekend—it was the realization of a dream that began nearly three decades ago.

His journey traces back to 1996, when he attended the Paralympic Games in Atlanta, Georgia. That experience left a lasting imprint.

“I knew in my heart that at some point down the road my life and work would involve working with individuals who are differently abled,” he says.

That calling would continue to take shape years later through obstacle course racing. In 2013, McGlamory was invited to participate in a local mud run—an experience he says truly changed the direction of his life. From that point forward, he dedicated himself to helping individuals with disabilities achieve the seemingly impossible through OCR, believing even then that this sport could someday find its place in the Paralympic Games.

Along the way, that mission included leadership and advocacy within the OCR community, including his work with More Heart Than Scars, where he previously supported athletes and helped create inclusive race experiences—efforts that laid important groundwork for what was still to come.

Building Toward a World Stage

Today, McGlamory continues that mission through Dealers of Hope, working alongside organizations such as Oscar Mike Foundation and with the support of Spartan Race, Tough Mudder, Phoenix Race OCR, and others across the country.

“Our work with these organizations are the vessels to make it happen,” he says—referring to the long-term vision of expanding opportunity and recognition for para-athletes in obstacle course racing.

A Different Role, A Bigger Responsibility

Unlike many events where Dealers of Hope provides direct, on-course athlete support, this championship weekend placed McGlamory in a different role. Serving as one of the event organizers alongside Dan McDonald, his focus was on execution and integrity.

“I wasn’t on course with the athletes,” he explains. “I was all over the place—making sure the obstacles were correct and that the athletes were competing within the rules and guidelines.”

For this event, athletes were responsible for choosing their own teammates. While some team members came from Dealers of Hope, others were drawn from across the broader OCR community. McGlamory offered insight when needed, but the choices ultimately belonged to the athletes themselves.

A Weekend That Defined the Mission

When asked if there was a single moment that captured why Dealers of Hope exists, McGlamory’s answer is simple.

“The entire event did,” he says. “This has been such a dream come true. I know it could not have happened if it were not for teams like Dealers of Hope.”

Still, one moment stands out.

As overall winner John De Hann crossed the finish line, celebration quickly turned personal.

“He ran right over to me, grabbed me, and hugged me,” McGlamory recalls. “With tears in his eyes, he said, ‘Thank you, Joey. Thank you for you and Dan making this weekend happen and keeping this dream alive.’”

Tears, Gratitude, and a Glimpse of the Future

That emotion echoed across the finish line all weekend long.

“There were tears of happiness from most every athlete,” McGlamory says. “A lot of gratitude—and a lot of excitement about what the future holds for this sport.”

Defining Success on the World Stage

For McGlamory, success at the Para World Championships had nothing to do with podiums or times.

“Success was that they had their moment to shine,” he says. “It took seven years to make this weekend happen. And the fact that it was a standalone event—not tied to another championship—meant everything. This was all about para-athletes. And no one else.”

Why Events Like This Matter

Events like the Spartan Para World Championships place adaptive athletes on a global stage, giving them the opportunity to showcase their talents, drive, and competitive spirit.

“They deserve every opportunity to show that they have just as much heart, passion, and tenacity to compete at a high level as able-bodied athletes,” McGlamory says.

And if there’s one message he hopes readers take away from the weekend?

“Look out world,” he says. “Para-athletes are coming. It’s their time.”