Red Deer will soon be host to the Spartan Race, a 15km foot race loaded with obstacles, hills, competition and fun.

The event will take place on Sept. 7th at Heritage Ranch and Joel Martens, manager at Heritage Ranch, said it is looking like about 1,900 competitors will be taking part.

“The Spartan Race is an extreme foot race over a highly challenging course with a variety of obstacles. It’s probably one of those races where you challenge yourself more than you hope to win,” said Martens.

While some people may try to get the upper hand on events like this by knowing what obstacles to train for, or what terrain to work with, Spartan Race simply isn’t designed to support this.

The web site for Spartan Race simply states that “We do not have course maps. There will be obstacles to catch you off guard. Curve balls, so to speak. Get over it.”

Martens said the organizers for the event have been very professional in setting the event up, and that it has taken about a year to settle details and finalize arrangements.

“They’ve been great about making sure there is lots of parking and there will be shuttles. They’re supplying people to do the parking.”

On top of a physically challenging race for competitors, spectators are invited to come out and cheer on their friends and family.

Heritage Ranch is also providing food all day and Martens said it will include a 12-hour smoked brisket and vegetable packages cooked over hot coals.

“We really encourage people to come down and see what we have here. People drive by us every day and don’t know we’re here.”

Lunch will be available for purchase to spectators. Martens said there will be enough food for the crowds.

“There’s no cost to just come down and watch and it should be quite an interesting day.”

He said the City has been supportive of the Ranch hosting the event and Martens said it’s been an integral part of organizing the event to have the City backing it.

The final date to register for Red Deer’s Spartan Race is Sept. 5th. Heats of 250 people will begin at 8 a.m. and each half-hour after until 1p.m.

Participants are tracked with chips for accuracy to record their times, and participants receive an event race shirt if they finish as well as a finisher medal.

For more information or to register visit www.spartanrace.com.

kpalardy@reddeerexpress.com