Spartan Race draws Colorado Springs’ toughest runners

On a bright Saturday morning at Fort Carson, a normal nine-mile run was far from the minds of thousands of people descending on the post for a grown-up playground.

The Spartan Race issued a challenge: complete the course — and the more than 25 obstacles on the way — and be able to call yourself a Spartan.

The course traversed a training range on the Mountain Post, meandering up and down ridges and across fields of nearly dead grass and cactus. Oh, and along the way, runners had to complete obstacles ranging from spinning monkey bars to wall climbs to dunks in muddy water. (PHOTOS)

First, the “elite” men and women groups took their turns on the course. Within an hour and a half, the first runner had crossed the finish line.

“I just figured it was something I loved training for, and I felt pretty badass doing it,” said Tyler Veerman, who said he’s won at least five Spartan races (including his first ever).

Veerman even completed a front flip over the fire pit that awaited those within feet of the finish line.

Nicole Mericle won the women’s elite run. Despite the spinning monkey bars — dubbed “The Twister” — giving her issues, she still finished minutes ahead of the second-place female finisher.

The Spartan Race started in 2010 in Vermont but has since spread to about 30 countries across the world. Fort Carson will host two days’ worth of races, with a shorter course being set up on Sunday.

“The biggest thing is because this is a military installation, there’s a lot of these really neat terrain features that we can use,” said race coordinator Dylan Newman. “We’re utilizing every one of them to push the limits of every one of our racers.”

Newman was also kind enough to give us a tour of several obstacles without needing to complete the miles-long trek on foot.

With thousands of participants registered, there’s a good chance that Fort Carson or Colorado Springs will again play host to a Spartan Race in the future.