The Spartan Races were held at Los Calamigos Ranch in Malibu. Over 9,000 people attended the race, with 5,000 of the attendee’s racing. Huge! People came from all over the U.S to either watch or compete. The obstacles were grueling; barbed wire crawl, spear throwing, fire jumping, and a slippery soapy rope wall to climb. Hobbie Call from Utah, claimed the first place title Spartan Spirit, making this his 12th Spartan win. His wife, Irene, received second place for the women’s division.
On the sidelines a variety of “extra” challenges were available for those who just couldn’t get enough of that Spartan torture, Ice bathing would top the list. Willingly, people took the plunge into an ice bath, competing with one another to see who could stay in the longest. Ice was continually tossed into the bath or on top of the competitors.
All in good fun. For these mighty Spartans, this obstacle course was a way to challenge their strength and endurance.
Text and video by Julie Ellerton