GET THE MUD PUMPING
THE inaugural Townsville Spartan Race was wet, muddy, sweaty and a hell of a lot of fun, which showed in the smiles of the more than 3000 people who took part in the event.
The cold beer at the end of the race was worth all the pain the runners are set to feel in the coming days as their bodies were pushed to their limits from the 7km race through to the 42km Ultra Beast run.
Organisers and participants alike were hailing the day as a huge success on Saturday, with the hope the event is back next year.
Event co- ordinator Marty McDonough, from McDonough Piper Promotions, said he’d had nothing but positive feedback.
“The morale around the place was unbelievable and the word coming from Spartan is positive, everything from the after- party, to the event, and everything that’s been happening, everyone is just smiling,” Mr McDonough said.
“It’s not about being the elite or the top, it’s about going out there and helping each other get over each obstacle, and maybe pushing each other in the mud.
“There was a lot smiles, a lot of high- fiving and they all enjoyed a beer at the end.”
Grace Britton ran the 21km race and said although she was exhausted, it was a lot of fun.
“I finished it and I’m very sore, I’m just aching all over, very keen to get home and have a shower and go to bed,” Ms Britton said.
“I’d definitely do it again. I was just saying to a friend, it’s kind of like forgetting the pain of childbirth and then go back.”
Shannon Doyle said it was a great event and she would definitely be back. “It was still really hard, but I prepped for the race really well so it was a nice surprise that I didn’t die,” Ms Doyle said.
“I really struggled with the vertical rope climb so I ended up having to do burpees for that one.
“I would definitely do it again, hopefully they bring it back next year so we can do it all again.”