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28
Up at 5am, arriving 6:30, my car loaded up with all
the usual. Location was stunning and parking was
dead easy.
My voluntary shift started once all the briefings
were done and everyone allocated their job for the
day. What I love about Spartan is their massive
appreciation that go out to those who give their time
to help. With specific RED t-shirts for volunteers and
BLUE for staff it’s easy to identify who is who.
My shift earned me my run later that day and it
bought back fond memories from my first voluntary
race for Spartan 2 years prior.
I was allocated finish area. Around 4000 cups of water
were filled that day. Supported also by Active Root
we offered this ginger hydration, electrolyte drink too.
It was a long and busy shift but having the constant
Spartan buzz all around made the day go quickly.
I was able to watch pretty much everyone at the start
and join in the cheering as they whizzed past me.
Being in the finish area also meant I got to watch
many cross the finish line too, most with huge
smiles on their faces, faces of complete exhaustion,
exhilaration and achievement. I was able to chat to
friends, runners and spectators throughout the day
and I just love that we can all accomplish things that,
to some, didn’t even seem possible.
The end of my shift meant it was my turn to get
registered and ready to go. Registration was perfectly
placed and swiftly processed.
It was hot now and conditions were much harder
than they were when the first wave set off 6 hours
before me.
Warm up complete, the obligatory “Aroo Aroo Aroo”
and “I am Spartan” echoed across the event village
and we were off. A straight run up, a right turn, over
the motorway bridge and into stunning surroundings
and quite possible some of the toughest terrain I have
ever endured.
True to Spartan style, the obstacles
were a good mix of challenging climbs, carries and
crawls.
A rather nasty new one popped up in the
middle. The zig zag wall with the ropes was horrid
(I’m not sure I even want to know it’s name – it’s
probably something like Satan or The Devil!) but
some excellent encouragement from marshals was
very much appreciated here as were the water
stops on this hideously hot day. Thank you Spartan
for adding an extra stop based on the forecast
suggesting it would be unusually hot that day.
The tyre carry and the sandbag carry – they were
seriously tough. All other obstacles complete and it
was back to the main village, the music pumping,
the crowds cheering, the atmosphere of the whole
event was still on top form. Now the pressure is on.
Just the last few obstacles left to conquer but in front
of watching eyes as all spectators are able to witness
the final few challenges. Spear throw – nailed it, yes!
(Mini fist pump in the air.) Rope climb – confidently
shimmied up and banged that bell with pride, the
final two walls – a good heel hook up and over, the
fire jump, pose for the photographer then on to that
much needed rehydration and a well earned medal.
For such a short race 6km (ish) it’s by far one of the
most challenging and I was delighted to have finished
with NO penalty burpees!
Usual penalty is 30 per obstacle failed and I’m fairly
sure 2 years ago I’d finished having completed
around 120 of them!
The event village had more of a mini festival feel
to it, easy to spend all day there just enjoying the
atmosphere, racing, relaxing and soaking in the sun
with friends and family. With the kids race also taking
part that morning it really is a complete family affair.
(minus the dog though please.)
I finished my day, elated and exhausted.
It’s a big thumb’s up from me and a huge AROO for
good measure too. I take great satisfaction in knowing
that whatever your journey, no matter how fast or slow
you are, you did it! You are a Spartan!
Setting the bar high
RACE : REVIEW
Spartan 8th April 2017 –
Donna Jenner-Hall
I think you can get the gist of how the day
went but I’ll just mention these points:
Toilets:
plentiful and well stocked
throughout the day.
Food & Drink Vendors:
spot on. (especially
the 2 coffee options)
Merchandise:
great variety and reasonably
priced.
Marshalls:
brilliant.
Spartan Organisation & Professionalism:
10/10.
The Course:
tough but amazing.
Medal:
epic, I want a Trifecta!
Tees:
I much prefer cotton, great design,
really good quality.
Obstacles:
challenging but all achievable.
If not solo, then a little shove and a push is
what forms some of the best friendships.
Free Beer:
Thank you Coors Light.
If I’ve missed anything, I think you can
assume that it was good too.
This is a day I had been really
looking forward to for a long time.
I had high expectations as I know
from previous experience that
Spartan set the bar high.
Join us in the next Spartan race
and use code
OBSTACLEMUDRUNNER
for 15% off.
