Spartan Race challenges athletes at Bigfork course

Competitors are ready for miles of mud, sweat and cheers at this year’s Spartan Race, returning to Flathead Lake Lodge in Bigfork Saturday and Sunday.

Meant to test strength, agility, endurance and speed, the race features more than 12 miles of rugged terrain made tougher with the addition of barbed wire, spear-throwing, cargo nets and more.

Spartan Races take place at locations around the country, but over 7,500 competitors are expected to participate in the Bigfork event, in teams or as individuals, with over 5,000 racers traveling more than 200 miles to attend.

Races begin at 7:30 a.m. Saturday with the Elite Men’s heat followed by Elite Women at 7:45 a.m.

Competitors who finish first through 10th place in the elite divisions win prize money, with a first prize of $800 for the men and women’s race.

Age group heats start every 15 minutes from 8 a.m. to 9 a.m. and the rest of the morning heats go from 9:15 a.m. to noon.

Afternoon heats begin at 12:15 p.m., and the last heat begins at 1 p.m.

All finishers receive a medal, free beer (21 and up), a T-shirt, snacks, drinks and “bragging rights.” Registered participants also get parking and a bag check for $6.

Registration opens at 6:30 a.m. and the cost to enter ranges from $202 for the elite divisions to $171 for afternoon heats.

Competitors are encouraged to arrive a half-hour before their start times and should bring a photo ID, a towel and extra clothes.

Spectators can watch the action and cheer on competitors from the sidelines while enjoying a festival-style day with food vendors, merchandise, music and more.

The cost to enter for spectators is $20 online prior to the event and $25 on site (cash only).

“Newbies” can take part in the free open house event today, May 3 from 3 to 5 p.m. in order to practice on obstacles, join a guided tour of the course, get early access to merchandise and meet other competitors.

For more information visit https://www.spartan.com/en/race/detail/4325/overview.

Reporter Mary Cloud Taylor can be reached at 758-4459 or mtaylor@dailyinterlake.com.