The adrenaline rush of completing a Spartan Race

A FEW months ago, I could hardly have imagined taking part in a Spartan Race, much less completing it. Thinking about the word "Spartan" itself immediately conjures up imposing images of buff warriors with six-pack abs leading their men out to battle in a war.

I've heard much about this event of late. The official Spartan Race website describes it as "the world's best obstacle course", while friends who have tried and conquered it raved about the race and hailed it as the toughest and most rigorous they have ever been through.

My curiosity sufficiently piqued, I convinced my wife and her teenage cousin to join some 7,000 other "Spartans" young and old for the festivities. We signed up for the 5km "Sprint" race that included up to 20 obstacles of varying difficulty.