I had done on obstacle race late last year but this was way more demanding. I ran it with my wife and her friend. It took us about 3 hours to complete the course. I struggled on the rope climb as I was so excited to get started I forgot my gloves. The ropes were caked in mud and next to impossible to grip. My wife struggled at the wall climbs, rope, and monkey bars. I would suggest upper body strength training for anyone preparing for this event. Over all we had a super time and she said she would do it again. I saw a sea of muddy people but not Willie. Anyone curious should give it a try as it truly is a great experience.

My wife and I did the warrior dash last year, so I agreed to do the Spartan race with a group of guys this year. It was definitely tougher that the warrior dash. Took us about 2 1/2 hours to complete the 5.2 mile course. The mud crawl I think was the toughest thing. Crawling on flat ground is one thing, but having to do that on slick mud while going up hill? That was rough.

One of the other guys in our group did a big write-up on it for his fitness blog (www.tripfitness.com/beginners-guide-spartan-race-sprint/).