Thousands take on Spartan fit course

Baw Baw Shire received a significant economic boost last week with more than 3700 children taking part in the Spartan children’s race held across two days in Drouin.

With previous Spartan races held predominantly in metropolitan areas, its first foray into regional Victoria proved a sensational hit as children from as far as Orbost in East Gippsland travelled with their families to take on a course to test their climbing, swinging and balancing skills along with their general fitness.

The event had been anticipated to attract about 3000 entrants, but an early indication of numbers last week had already seen that mark well and truly eclipsed with many visiting families choosing to stay and shop locally.

The non-competitive, fun and family friendly course catered for children of all abilities and fitness levels, with a focus on encouraging kids to spend their school holidays outdoors and physically active.

Families also travelled from metropolitan Melbourne for the event, which saw children aged between three and 13 years take on a short, medium or long course according to age group during an allotted 20-minute time slot, with the warm up area packed ahead of each race.

The mud pit ahead of the sprint for the finish proved popular, with children able to elect to turn left and climb over the giant inflatable to finish their race or turn right to complete another lap.

Drouin will also host the event in 2020 and 2021 as part of the state government’s $85 million Latrobe Valley Sports and Community Initiative.

Celebrating the completion of a challenging race are, from left Raffi Van Venrooy, Winter Van Venrooy, Willow Major, Harlan Van Venrooy, Hudson Delaney and Haydn Major.

Above: Xavier Field of Upwey takes to the monkey bars. Above right: Max Mitchell of Bayswater shows his strength having conquered the Spartan race course.

Will Maclean of Yarragon shows his thrill after coming out of the mud pit.