Designed to push competitors to the limit – testing strength, endurance and mental toughness – the Spartan Race series is returning to Bigfork. Nearly 4,000 racers competed in last year’s inaugural Montana Spartan Sprint. More than 5,300 have registered for this year’s race, as well as 2,500 spectators, according to Rob Brisendine, with the Kalispell Convention and Visitor Bureau.
Registration for the race closes on May 6. This year’s event is bound to be bigger, tougher and muddier than the last, as it has been dubbed the Founder’s Race. Only one race in the international obstacle series is awarded the distinction each year.
The course, which is approximately 4 miles long, is littered with more than 15 obstacles. Some are traditional Spartan Race challenges, such as the mud pit, barbed wire crawl and spear throw. Others are unique to the landscape of the venue in the woods just south of Bigfork.
Pre-race packet pickup will be held at Sportsman & Ski Haus in Kalispell on May 9 from 5 p.m. to 8 p.m. Day of the race parking is available for $10 at the intersection of Montana Highway 35 and Montana Highway 82, across from Pick’s Bowling. Athletes and spectators will be shuttled from the parking area to the race venue. For more information visit www.spartanrace.com.