Spartan Race Visits Southeast Ohio

The Wilds normally known for its wild animals hosted a different kind of animal Saturday.

The world-wide competition Spartan Race came to Southeastern Ohio Saturday morning. The Spartan Race strives to get people off the couch and conquer fear and pain.

The race’s founder, Jo De Sena, said "The unique obstacle course will demand every ounce of strength, ingenuity and animal instinct you thought you lost three generations ago." Thousands of people visited the Wilds today to test that strength.

"We’ve got a couple guys here that have never raced this race before, a couple of us are veterans, so a couple of us are also military veterans so we’re excited to represent here for Ohio Super Spartan," Ronnie Iquina of Cincinnati, Ohio said.

"Feels good to be doing it," said Phil Asher of Washington D.C. "Did a shorter one over the summer and now we’re out here freezing for this one."

Spartan Race features three different kinds of races varying in length. The different races range from 3-12 miles and tests the physical and mental limits of each person that attempts them.

"I have a tweaked ankle, but i figured if people can do it without limbs I can do it with a tweaked ankle, so we’re not trying to beat time," Iquina said. "We’re just trying to finish the race."

"I’ll finish it, that’s all that matters. Just gotta finish," Asher said.

One hundred and thirty events are scheduled in 17 countries this year.