Spartans take the Washougal challenge

On Saturday, thrill-seekers of all ages will see if they have what it takes to become Spartans at Washougal Motocross Park.

The elite men’s race starts at 7:30 a.m., followed by the elite women at 7:45 and competitive heats from 8 to 8:30 a.m.

Ever 15 minutes thereafter, waves of 250 participants will tackle the 3 to 5 mile, 20 to 23 obstacle course. The final group leaves at 3 p.m.

According to spartan.com, this is the fifth year in a row a Spartan Race has taken over Washougal Motocross Park. The terrain and scenery are unique. The combination of wooden trials and motocross track gives the course designers the freedom to raise the stakes each year and test the spirit of the competitors.

“[Washougal is] possibly the best overall course I’ve ever raced on,” said Pro Racer Brakken Kraker. “It [has] the perfect mix of steep and gradual climbing, technical descents, fast trails and demanding obstacles.”

Registration is available at www.spartan.com. Entry fees are $138 for elite men, $119 for elite women, $114 for competitive heats, and $109 for the open morning and afternoon races.

All participants should arrive to the park at least an hour and a half before their scheduled start time to pick up their racing packet, check their bags and warm up.

Spectator tickets are available for $20 online until Friday, and $25 at the gate Saturday. Parking is $10 for cars, $20 for vans and $50 per bus or RV.

Boys and girls, ages 4 to 13, can enter the Junior Spartan races Saturday. Pre-registration costs $28, and day of race registration is $35.