This Is The Complete Spartan Race Obstacles List

Curious of the obstacles you'll find at your next Spartan Race? Here's the complete Spartan obstacles list, with all dimensions, weight, and rules explained.

Spartan Obstacles List Spartan Obstacles List

When you are participating in a Spartan Race, there's no possibility to know for sure what are the obstacles. The only disclosed information is the amount of obstacle. 20 obstacles for the Sprint, 25 for the Super and 30 for the Beast. It's only on the day of the event that you know the exact obstacle list. At each Spartan Race, a map is display with the specific location of each obstacle on the course.

However, during the last 10 years, some obstacles have been observed only for one season while others have stuck over time. This is how I manage to create this complete list of obstacles you might encounter during a Sprint, Super, Beast and also the Stadium event.

The list contains more than 57 obstacles, and each one is explained with all the necessary details to understand what you are getting yourself into. Each description includes the names, dimensions, weights, and rules of the obstacle.

My goal is to provide the best overview of the Spartan obstacles. If you have any comments or would like to add your information to the list, contact me at .

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8 foot Box

Names: 8' Box, 8 foot Box

Obstacle type: Multiple attempts

Description: This obstacle is a giant 8-foot tall wooden box with a rope along the wall. The flat surface at the top of the wall offers no grip, and therefore you need to use the rope to climb over. On the other side, you'll find stairs to come back on the ground level.

Rules: You must climb over the 8 foot Box without using the support structure or straps, and the booster is available only for female runners. Failure to complete the obstacle leads to a 30 burpees penalty.

How tall is the 8 Foot Box?
As obvious as it sounds, the height of the box is approximately 8 foot.

Adductor

Names: Adductor, Thigh Master

Obstacle type: Single attempt

Description: Very similar to the Spartan Gauntlet, this obstacle contains a row of hanging bags (comparable to punching bags). The difference is the participant must navigate through the Adductor without touching the ground. You'll have to hold on to the bags using your thigh, legs, and arms. Hop on the series of bag and reach for the bell on the other side.

Rules: You have to traverse the obstacle without using the support structure, and you cannot touch the ground before hitting the bell.

Learn the best technique on how to crush the Adductor

Assault bike

Names: Assault bike, Air Bike, Fan Bike

Obstacle type: Mandatory

Description: This obstacle is mostly seen in Stadium events. The Assault Bikes are a piece of gym equipment that could resemble a mix between an elliptical machine and an exercise bike. The air bike as a massive fan in the front and the resistance of the wind create by the bike, make it challenging for the participant to pedal. Also, those bikes are equipped with an electronic device that calculates the number of calories burned during the exercise.

Rules: During the event, you'll be asked to burn 10 calories before continuing the race.

How long does it take to burn 10 calories on an Assault Bike?
Burning 10 calories on an Assault Bike depends on the intensity of the movement, but it usually takes around 1 minute.

Armer

Name: The Armer

Obstacle type: Multiple attempts

Description: Very similar to the traditional Atlas Carry, the Armer consist of transporting a heavy concrete ball over a set distance. The cement sphere is connected to a chain, which is used as a handle to carry the weight.

Rules: Participant must carry the weight by using only the chain. If you fail to transport the Armer ball properly, you have to re-start the obstacle or perform the 30 burpees penalty.

Ape Hanger

Ape Hanger

Name: Ape Hanger

Obstacle type: Single attempt

Description: The Ape Hanger is a combination between the Rope Climb and the Monkey Bars. Above water the whole time, the participants have to climb a rope and reach for the bars. Also, at the end of these monkey bars, competitors need to ring the bell.

Rules: You can climb on the obstacle by only using the rope. Once you are hanging from the bars, you are committed to that lane and cannot re-start the obstacle. You cannot use your feet to ring the bell or to hold the bars above your head. You must stay under the bar the whole time and can not use the obstacle structure or side support. A 30 burpees punishment is given to all participants who fail the obstacle.

What is the length of the Ape Anger?
The total distance of the Ape Anger is around 25 feet.

How high is the Ape Anger?
The horizontal ladder of the Ape Anger is somewhat 9 feet above the water.

Learn the best technique on how to crush the Ape Hanger

Atlas Carry

Names: Atlas Carry, Atlas Stone, Atlas Ball

Type of obstacle: Multiple attempts

Description: The Atlas Carry is an obstacle that involves lifting and carrying a heavy concrete ball. The Atlas ball is pick up from point A and move to point B. Once you reach point B, you put down the stone and perform 5 burpees. Finally, you carry back the Atlas to the starting point.

Rules: You'll get a 30 burpees punishment if you are enabled to move the Atlas stone or doesn’t complete the 5 burpees correctly.

What is an atlas stone?
The atlas stone is a concrete ball use in almost every Strongman competition.

How heavy is the atlas ball carry in a spartan race?
The Atlas stone weight around 100 pounds.

How far do I need to carry the atlas ball?
You must carry the atlas stone over 40 feet approximately.

Learn the best technique on how to crush the Atlas Carry and check out my training tips for the Atlas Carry

Balance obstacles

Names: Balance Beams, Slackline, Log Hop

Type of obstacle: Single attempt

Description: Participants must traverse the obstacle without using their arms or touching the ground to regain stability. The balance obstacles are usually a wooden beam or a slackline, but it can also be vertical logs where participates have to steps from one to another.

Rules: You only have one chance to cross those obstacles, and consider committed to a lane once you leave the starting point.

How high from the ground is the Spartan balance obstacles?
The height of the balance obstacles at Spartan may vary from race to race, but it usually not more than 12 inches.

What's the length of the Spartan balance obstacles?
The distance of the balance obstacles at Spartan considerably change from different events, but its usually between 15 to 25 feet.

Learn the best technique on how to crush the Balance Beams and the Slackline

Barbed Wire Crawl

Names: Barbed Wire Crawl, Low Crawl

Type of obstacle: Mandatory

Description: The Barbed Wire Crawl is where every runner gets covered with muds because they'll be crawling in grass, dirt, rocks or water. Depending on the venue, you can also expect to crawl uphill or downhill. Don't get caught in the barbed wire, and move as close as possible to the ground.

Rules: Participant gets disqualified if they skip the obstacle, or part of it by going over the wire. Also, you must carry all your personal belongings during the cawl obstacles. This means you can't leave you hydration pack at the starting point.

What is the distance of the barbed wire crawl?
The length of the barbed wire crawl can be very different from one venue to another. The distance can be approximately between 100 to 200 feet.

What is the height of the barbed wire crawl?
The height of the space available under the barbed wire will also depend on the terrain. You can expect to be very low to the ground, between 1 or 2 feet.

Learn the best technique on how to crush the Barbed Wire Crawl and check out my training tips for the Barbed Wire Crawl

Beater

Name: Beater

Type of obstacle: Single attempt

Description: The Beater is really similar to the monkey bar, and participants must navigate from one bar to another using their hands. The difference is the bars are pivoting like a egg beater, making it more difficult to keep your body steady.

Rules: You must reach the other side of the obstacle to ring the bell, by using only your hands and without touching the ground. If you use the side supports or your feet on the bars, you fail the obstacle and visit the burpees zone.

What is the length of the Beater?
The distance from the starting point to the bell is approximately 20 feet.

How high are the bars from the Beater?
The beater is around 9 feet from the ground.

Learn the best technique on how to crush the Beater

Bender

Name: Bender

Type of obstacle: Multiple attempts

Description: The bender is a metal ladder inclined toward you, with the first bar located above your head. Your goal is to climb over and to the other side, without using the support structure or straps.

Rules: Participant must cross over the Bender by only using the ladder steps or complete the 30 burpees penalty.

What is the total height of the bender?
The bender is around 10 feet high.

How high is the first bar from the bender?
The first bar is approximately 6 feet from the ground.

Learn the best technique on how to climb the Bender

Box Jumps

Name: Box Jumps

Type of obstacle: Mandatory

Description: Mostly viewed in Stadium event, the box jump is the exact same exercises you would perform at your local CrossFit gym. You must complete the prescribed amount of jump on top of the wooden box. Starting from the ground, you jump on the box, stand up, and jump/step back into initial position.

Rules: You must re-start the obstacle if you fail to complete all box jumps or neglect to lock your legs while on the top of the box.

How high is the Spartan Box Jumps?
The height of the box can vary between 20 to 30 inches high.

How many box jumps do I need to perform at a Spartan race?
The number of prescribed box jumps is approximate 15.

Bucket Brigade

Names: Bucket Brigade, Bucket Carry

Type of obstacle: Mandatory

Description: The Bucket Brigade is one the toughest obstacle during a Spartan race. You'll have to carry a 5-liter bucket, filled with rocks over a designated course. Depending on the event location, the route could include hills. Also, participants may have to fill the bucket with gravels and carry the uncap heavy bucket (beware no to drop the bucket). On the other hand, some races have sealed buckets, with the right amount of gravels inside.

Rules: Participants who fail to return with a full bucket, must restart the obstacle or drop from the race. Carrying the bucket on your head or shoulders is prohibited for safety reasons.

How heavy if the Spartan bucket?
The weight of the Bucket Brigade is between 70 to 100 pound for the men and 50 to 80 pound for women.

How far do I need to carry the bucket?
The distance you need to carry the bucket is around 600 to 900 feet (180-275 meters).

Learn the best technique on how to crush the Bucket Carry and check out my training tips for the Bucket Brigade

A-Frame Cargo Net Climb

Cargo Net Climb

Names: Cargo Net Climb, A-Frame, Bridge

Type of obstacle: Multiple attempts

Description: The A-Frame (Cargo Net Climb) is a tall structure where the participant must climb over using the wobbly cargo net. The obstacle looks like a giant triangular bridge (A-Frame shape) and might be troubling if you are afraid of heights. However, way more menacing than dangerous, this obstacle will test your mental strength. On the other hand, it's not all brides who have a cargo net, and they can be made of wood.

Rules: Runners who are not willing to climb must perform the mandatory 30 burpees penalty.

How high is the A-Frame structure?
The height of the A-Frame obstacle is around 30 feet.

Learn the best technique on how to crush the A-Frame and check out my training tips for the Cargo Net Climb

Carry

Names: Pancake Carry, Sandbag Carry, Log Carry, Farmers Carry, Jerry Can Carry, Deadball

Type of obstacle: Mandatory

Description: During a Spartan race you will encounter different obstacle who require to carry a heavy object over a prescribed distance. The most common is the sandbag carry and the log carry. Participant must pick up the object from point A, and carry it to point B. During those obstacles, you can expect long hikes uphill.

Rules: The weight must be carried and not dragged through the terrain. Multiple loads carry, such as the farmers carry, must be taken at the same time. Failure to bring the object on the designated route, lead to disqualification from the race.

How much does the Spartan sandbag weight?
The Spartan sandbag usually weights around 45 pounds for men and 35 pounds for women. The weight also depends if the sand has been in contact with water.

How much does the Spartan pancake weight?
The pancake is approximately 35 pounds for men and 25 pounds for women. The weight also depends if the sand has been in contact with water.

How much does the Jerry Can Carry weight?
The Jerry Can Carry is a 20-L container filled with water wich weight almost 45 pounds.

How much does the Spartan logs weight?
The weight of the log can significantly vary from one race to another. Usually, the logs are around 30 pounds for the men and 20 pounds for women. The weight also depends on the type of wood used for the obstacle.

How heavy is the Spartan Deadball?
The Spartan Deadball is 70 pound for women and 100 pounds for men.

Learn the best technique on how to crush the Sandbag Carry and check out my training tips for the Sandbag Carry

Dunk Wall

Dunk Wall

Name: Dunk Wall

Type of obstacle: Multiple attempts

Description: The Dunk Wall is not a difficult obstacle, but it will test your mental. Inside a giant pool of murky water, participants must submerge themselves completely to cross under the wall.

Rules: You can't climb over or dive under the wall. If you are not willing to swim to the other side of the fence, you must pass by the burpees zone.

What is the height of the Spartan Dunk Wall?
The space available under the water is approximately 2.5 feet.

Fire Jump

Name: Fire Jump

Type of obstacle: Multiple attempts

Description: When you reach the Fire Jump, you are 1 step away from the finish line. Runners must jump over the flame of the burning logs and strike a pose for the photographer.

Rules: Participant who are not able to jump over the fire, must perform the 30 mandatory burpees.

How tall are the flames from the Fire Jump?
Depending on how new the fire is, the flame could be between 1 or 2 feet.

Check out my training tips for the Fire Jump

Gauntlet

Names: Gauntlet, Gladiator Gauntlet

Type of obstacle: Multiple attempts

Description: The Gladiator Gauntlet is the easiest obstacles you could find during a Spartan race. Participant must run through the hanging bags, which look like giant punching bags, to reach the other side of the Gauntlet. The obstacle could be inside a water puddle.

Rules: Participant not willing to run through the hangings bags, will get a 30 burpees penalty. Not sure it ever happen in the history of Spartan.

Helix

Name: Helix

Type of obstacle: Single attempt

Description: The Helix is a metallic structure shaped like a giant X. Participants must navigate on the side walls of the Helix by using there hands and feet. Different handholds and footholds are available but beware of the plexiglass blocking some of the possible grips. This obstacle seems like a metallic spine off of the Traverse Wall.

Rules: Participants must move through the obstacle without touching the ground or holding on the top of the Helix. Once you left the starting point, you are committed to that lane and cannot re-start the obstacle. Ring the bell on the other side to indicate you completed the Helix.

How long is the Helix?
The distance between the starting point and the bell is around 20 feet.

What angle are the Helix walls?
The walls have 70-degree and 110-degree angles.

Learn the best technique on how to crush the Helix

Hercules Hoist

Hercules Hoist

Name: Hercules Hoist

Type of obstacle: Multiple attempts

Description: The Hercules Hoist is a strength obstacle that also requires lots of grips. A heavy sandbag is tied to a rope, which is fixed to a pulley, and the participant must pull the weight from the ground to the top.

Rules: Beware not to drop the weight and bring it back to the ground slowly, or you'll receive a 30 burpees penalty. Also, you must lift the weight without moving away from the fence, and only use your arm to pull the rope. The only help you can get is from putting your feet on the barrier for leverage. But you can't stand on the fence and use your body weight to lift the weight. On the other hand, some stadium event may have a "no feet on the fence" rule. At any moment you can change lane and use another rope, by returning the weight to the ground in a controlled movement.

How much does the Hercules Hoist weight?
The Hercules Hoist weight is around 90 pounds for men and 70 pounds for women.

What is the diameter of the Hercules Hoist rope?
The rope used for the Hercules Hoist more similar to a climbing rope than a typical gym rope climb and the size may be around 1-1.5 inch.

How high do I need to pull the weight from the Hercules Hoist?
The height of the Hercules Hoist structure is approximately 20-25 feet.

Learn the best technique on how to crush the Hercules Hoist and check out my training tips for the Hercules Hoist

Inverted Wall

Names: Inverted Wall, Slanted wall

Type of obstacle: Multiple attempts

Description: The inverted wall is not a typical wall to climb. This wooden wall is leaning toward the participant, forcing you to use all your energy to pull yourself over the top. If needed, you can get help from the 3 steps on the wall.

Rules: Participant must climb the wall without using the legs of the structure or the straps. If you fail to escalate properly over the obstacle, you catch a 30 burpees penalty.

How tall is the Inverted Wall?
The height of the Inverted Wall is around 7 feet.

What is the angle of the Inverted Wall?
The Inverted Wall is leaning toward the participant at around 70 degrees.

Learn the best technique on how to climb the Inverted Wall and check out my training tips for the Inverted Wall

Jump Rope

Name: Jump Rope

Type of obstacle: Multiple attempts

Description: The Jump Rope is a pretty straightforward obstacle, mostly present in Stadium event. Participant must perform a pre-determined amount of jump rope.

Rules: You can jump the rope in any direction you desire and use 1 or 2 foot (creating a running motion). You must restart the obstacle if you fail to complete the prescribed number of jump rope or forget to place the band around your legs (if required).

What kind of rope is used in the Spartan Jump Rope?
The rope used in the Spartan Jump Rope is not your ordinary gym class rope; it's a heavy 2.5-inch thick rope.

Ladder Climb

Name: Ladder Climb

Type of obstacle: Multiple attempts

Description: Very similar to the Rope Climb, participant are asked to climb until they reach the bell. Instead of a simple rope, this obstacle as a wobbly ladder made of rope with a very narrow foot fold, which makes it challenging to climb.

Rules: Like the Rope Climb, participants can change lane if they prefer, but they must return to the ground in a controlled movement. The Ladder Climb is succeeded after you ring the bell and come back on the ground level.

How tall is the Spartan Ladder Climb?
The height of the Spartan Ladder Climb is between 15 to 20 feet high.

Low Rider

Name: Low Rider

Type of obstacle: Single attempt

Description: Very similar to the Spartan Rig, the Low Rider challenged the participants to cruise through the obstacle by using the swinging ropes and footholds. A series of cables will be connected to a horizontal bar. A knot or a ring at the bottom of the rope will be used as a foothold.

Rules: Your feet cannot touch the ground, and you must stay under the obstacle structure. Once your feet leave the starting point, you are committed to that lane and must try to reach the other side. To complete the obstacle, you need to hit the bell on the other side.

Memorization Wall

Name: Memorization Wall, Memory Chart, Memory Test

Type of obstacle: Single attempt

Description: The Memorization Wall is a memory test more than a physical obstacle. Participants will find the exact words and numbers to memorize onto a memory chart. Later on the race, they will be asked to recite the phrase. This obstacle has been encountered in the Beast version of the Spartan Race, as well as the Death Race, Agoge or Hurricane Heat.

Rules: You cannot take a picture of the chart to answer the memory test. If you fail to recite the phrase correctly, you get a 30 burpees punishment.

How long is the phrase to remember?
The length of the phrase can vary from race to race, but it's usually a 4-5 words or numbers.

Monkey Bars

Name: Monkey Bars

Type of obstacle: Single attempt

Description: Similar to the jungle gym at your local park, this obstacle is a series of horizontal bars. You must swing like a monkey from one bar to another, and reach the other side.

Rules: Participant must stay under the bars and only use their hands to complete the Monkey Bars. You need to ring the bell on the other side of the Monkey Bars. Once your feet leave the ground, you are committed to that lane, and you only have one chance to succeed in the obstacle. If your feet touch the ground or the bars above your head, or if you miss the bell, you'll be heading to the burpees pit.

How far apart are Spartan Monkey Bars?
The Monkey Bars are spaced at 1.5-2 feet apart.

What is the height of the Spartan Monkey Bars?
The Monkey Bars are approximately 8.5 feet from the ground.

What is the diameter of the Spartan Monkey Bars?
The size of the monkey bars may slightly vary, but they are between 2 or 3 inches.

What is the length of the Spartan Monkey Bars?
The distance between the first and last bar is around 15-20 feet.

Learn the best technique on how to crush the Monkey Bars and check out my training tips for the Monkey Bars

Olympus Wall

Olympus Wall

Name: Olympus Wall

Type of obstacle: Single attempt

Description: The Olympus Wall is one of the most creative obstacles at Spartan. Participant must navigate on a slanted wall to ring a bell on the opposite side. You'll have the options to grab on to 3 different types of holds: holes, chains, and climbing grips. The Olympus Wall is challenging because the wooden wall will be slippery from all the mud.

Rules: Participants are not allowed to grab on the top of the wall or use their feet on the holds or to ring the bell. Also, once you start moving on the Olympus Wall, you are committed to that lane. Failure to complete the obstacle leads to a 30 burpees penalty.

What is the length of the Olympus Wall?
The distance between the starting point and the bell is around 8 to 10 feet.

What is the Olympus Wall height?
The Olympus Wall is approximately 7 feet tall.

What is the angle in the Olympus Wall?
The Olympus Wall as a 70-degree angle.

Learn the best technique on how to crush the Olympus Wall and check out my training tips for the Olympus Wall

Over-Under-Through

Over-Under-Through

Names: Over Under Through, O-U-T

Type of obstacle: Multiple attempts

Description: The O-U-T is a 3 parts obstacle that begins with climbing over a 5' wall, crawling under a second wall, and finally passing through a window in the final structure.

Rules: Participant who is not able to navigate through the obstacle must perform the mandatory 30 burpees.

What is the size of the Over-Under-Through walls?
The first wall is 5 feet tall, the second at a 1.5 feet from the ground and the last as an opening at 2.5 feet from the bottom.

Learn the best technique on how to crush the O-U-T

Push Ups

Name: Push Ups

Type of obstacle: Multiple attempts

Description: This obstacle is usually seen in the Spartan Stadium event. Participants are asked to perform the prescribed amount of push-ups before continuing the race.

Rules: If the participant is not able to perform the number of push-ups, he can choose to re-start or drop from the race. No burpees penalty, this is a mandatory obstacle.

Rolling Epic

Name: Rolling Epic

Type of obstacle: Single attempt

Description: The Rolling Epic is an obstacle often observed in Spartan Stadium event since it requires a flat surface such a concrete floor. Participant need to place their feet on a rolling platform (small skateboard) and the rest of their body into a plank position. They must move to the finish line, to continue the race.

Rules: If any part of your body touches the ground, except your hands or elbows, you'll receive a burpees penalty.

How far do I need to move in the Rolling Epic?
The distance travel on the Rolling Epic is approximately 25 feet.

Rope Climb

Name: Rope Climb

Type of obstacle: Multiple attempts

Description: Just like in gym class, this obstacle requires to climb along a rope to reach the top. However, the Spartan version of the rope climb is more challenging, because of the wet rope.

Rules: Participant can retry another rope if they don't like their first choice. However, you can't jump off the rope or change rope half way up. You must ascend the cable in a controlled manner and ring the bell with your hand only. Failure to succeed the Rope Climb is a sure visit to the burpees zone visit.

How tall is Spartan Rope Climb?
The length of the rope may vary from one race to another, and therefore you can expect to climb 12 to 16 feet high.

What is the diameter of the Spartan Rope Climb?
The size of the rope is approximately 1.5-2.5 inches, made of manila fiber.

Learn the best technique on how to climb the rope and check out my training tips for the Rope Climb

Slip Wall

Slip Wall

Name: Slip Wall

Type of obstacle: Multiple attempts

Description: The Slip Wall is a giant 45-degree wall with a rope attached to the top. The wall will be slippery from all the mud, and therefore the cable will be a great help to climb. Once you reach the top of the wall, you must use your arm to pull yourself over.

Rules: Participant must stay in the obstacle boundaries, and failure to climb over the wall leads to a 30 burpees punishment.

How tall is the Slip Wall?
The Slip Wall is around 15 feet high.

Learn the best technique on how to climb the Slip Wall

Spartan Ladder

Name: Spartan Ladder

Type of obstacle: Single attempt

Description: The Spartan Ladder is a metallic structure shaped like a triangle. Participant must climb under the obstacle to reach the ridge of the ladder and ring the first bell. After, they have to go down the other side of the ladder and ring the last bell.

Rules: Once a participant has left the gourd he is committed to that lane and can't touch the ground before ringing the second bell. You can't climb above the ladder or use the side of the structure.

What the height of the Spartan Ladder?
The Spartan Ladder is approximately 15 feet high.

Learn the best technique on how to climb the Spartan Ladder

Spartan Rig

Spartan Rig

Names: Spartan Rig, Multi Rig

Type of obstacle: Single attempt

Description: The Spartan Rig is similar to the Monkey Bars; however, participants will have to use different types of grip to swing across the obstacle. The holds may vary from rings, ball, nunchuck, cargo net, horizontal bar, rope, etc. Some Spartan Rig may finish with a wall to climb over.

Rules: Participants must use only their hands to navigate through the obstacle, except when the grip is at the foot level. At no time their feet should touch the ground. You have to stay underneath the Sartan Rig and cannot use the structures or side supports. As soon as you leave the starting point, you are committed to that lane and must complete the obstacle or do the mandatory 30 burpees. Also, don't forget to ring the bell!

What is the height of the Spartan Rig?
The Spartan Rig is approximately 8.5 feet from the ground.

What is the length of the Spartan Rig?
The distance between the first and last grip is around 15-20 feet.

Learn the best technique on how to crush the Spartan Rig

Spartan Sled

Name: Spartan Sled

Type of obstacle: Multiple attempts

Description: During the Spartan Sled, participants are asked to drag a sled over a designated distance. The Sled is made of metal and contains a heavy sandbag. You must pull the sled using the rope while moving in a forward motion.

Rules: The sled must be drag and not carry.

What is the weight of the Spartan Sled?
The Spartan Sled is around 90 pound for the men and 45 pounds for women.

Spear Throw

Type of obstacle: Single attempt

Description: The Spear Throw is the most iconic obstacle at Spartan Race. A simple obstacle but yet very challenging. The goal is throwing a spear at a target. The target is a hale bale with a Spartan helmet. The spear is attached to a rope so the participant can retrieve the spear without having to walk to the target (which will be very dangerous).

Rules: The Spear Throw rule is simple; throw the spear and stick it into the target. If you miss the target or the spear is touching the ground, you are in for 30 burpees treat.

How far do I need to throw the spear?
The target is located between 20 to 30 feet away from the fence.

What is the size of the target at the Spear Throw?
The target is approximately 3 x 3 feet.

How much the Spartan spear weight?
The spear is made of wood with a metal tip, and weight around 2.5 pounds.

What is the size of the Spartan spear?
The spear is approximately 67 inches long.

Learn the best technique on how to throw the spear and check out my training tips for the Spear Throw

Stairway to Sparta

Stairway to Sparta

Name: Stairway to Sparta

Type of obstacle: Multiple attempts

Description: The stairway to Sparta is an 8-foot wall with extra steps to climb at the top. Participants must pull them self over the first section and climb the rest using the wooden steps. Some variation if the wall can be taller but with a rope available to climb the first section.

Rules: Participant can't use the side support or straps, and the kicker is only available for women.

Learn the best technique on how to climb the Stairway to Sparta

Swim

Names: Swim, Swimming, Deep Water Obstacle

Type of obstacle: Mandatory

Description: It's unlikely to attend a Spartan Race that involves deep water obstacles, but some location will include swimming over a certain distance.

Rules: If specified, you must wear the personal floatation device available at the obstacle.

Tarzan Swing

Names: Tarzan Swing, Rope Swing

Type of obstacle: Single attempt

Description: Participants are required to swing across a pool of water using a Tarzan rope.

Rules: Hold on to the rope only with your hands and your feet cannot touch the water.

Learn the best technique on how to crush the Tarzan Swing

Tire Flip

Tire Flip

Name: Tire Flip

Type of obstacle: Multiple attempts

Description: This obstacle consists of flipping a giant tractor tire. The tire is laying flat on the ground, and the participant must turnover the tire multiple time. This kind of obstacle is also seen in many strongmen competitions or CrossFit gym.

Rules: Different tire will be available, and you can choose which one you want. But once you flip the tire, you are committed to that lane and must complete the obstacle using the same tire. Failure to perform the prescribed number of flip leads to a 30 burpees penalty.

How much does the tire weight for the Tire Flip obstacle?
The tire used for this obstacle is heavy tractor tires. The weight may vary from 200 to 350 pounds.

Learn the best technique on how to crush the Tire Flip

Tire Pull

Names: Tire Pull, Plate Drag

Type of obstacle: Multiple attempts

Description: The tires or the plates are attached to a rope, and each one has its own lane. The participant must pull the weight toward them, using the cable. Once the loads reach the end of the path, you must drag it back to its starting point.

Rules: You'll need to re-do the obstacle or catch a penalty if you fail to pull the tire or plate completely.

How much does the tire weight for the Tire Pull obstacle?
The tire used for this obstacle usually weights around 70 to 100 pounds.

What is the weight of the Spartan Plate Drag?
The Spartan Plate Drag is also around 70 to 100 pounds.

How far do I need to pull the weight?
The distance which the tire must be pulled is around 25 feet.

Learn the best technique on how to crush the Tire Pull

Tractor Pull

Name: Tractor Pull

Type of obstacle: Multiple attempts

Description: Participant must drag a cement block attached by a chain over a prescribed route.

Rules: The block must stay on the ground, and the participant can't carry the weights with their hands. If you can't move the block over the distance, you get a 30 burpees punishment.

How much does the Tractor Pull weight?
The cement block from the Tractor Pull weight approximately 30 pounds. You also should consider the weight of the chain, which could add 3 or 4 pounds.

What distance must I cover with the cement block?
The Tractor Pull is usually around 350 yards (320 m).

Learn the best technique on how to crush the Tractor Pull and check out my training tips for the Tractor Pull

Traverse Wall

Names: Traverse Wall, Z-Wall

Type of obstacle: Single attempt

Description: The Traverse Wall is a bouldering obstacle, where participants use their hand and feet to navigate through the wall. Along the wall, different 2x4 blocks can be used as footholds and handholds. A variation of this obstacle is called the Z-Wall because the wall is built in 3 parts, shaped like a Z. The Z-Wall is more difficult than the Travers Wall because the participants must switch between panels. The goal is to ring the bell on the end of the wall, but be careful of the slippery grips.

Rules: You must ring the bell, without touching the ground or the top of the obstacle. Also, once you are on the wall, you are committed to that path and can't re-start the obstacle. You don't have to touch all blocks of the wall, but the first foot block and hand block are mandatory.

What is the length of the Traverse Wall?
The Traverse Wall is approximately 18 feet long.

How high is the Traverse Wall?
The height of the Traverse Wall is around 8 feet.

Learn the best technique on how to crush the Traverse Wall and check out my training tips for the Traverse Wall

Twister

Twister

Name: Twister

Type of obstacle: Single attempt

Description: This obstacle is similar to the monkey bars, but the handles are length-wise and fix to a rotating pole. When you grab a handle, the next one is slightly moving in place at about 20-degree angle.

Rules: You must only use your hands to navigate under the bars. Which mean you can't use your foot or the support structure. The goal is to ring the bell on the other side without touching the ground. Once, your feet leave the starting platform, you are committed to that lane and must complete the obstacle.

How high are is the Twister from the ground?
The Twister is roughly 8 feet above the ground.

How long is the Twister?
Participants have around 20 feet to cover.

Learn the best technique on how to crush the Twister and check out my training tips for the Twister

Tyrolean Traverse

Name: Tyrolean Traverse

Type of obstacle: Single attempt

Description: The Tyrolean Traverse is an obstacle where participants must reach the other side by crawling along the rope. The rope is fixed between 2 anchor points. The Tyrolean Traverse may be above water, and only in this situation, participants are allowed to crawl on top of the rope. In both circumstances, you must ring the bell at the end of the obstacle. If the tyrolean is above water, there's a good chance you'll need to swim after ringing the bell.

Rules: You need to ring the bell without touching the ground or water underneath the rope. The only situation where your feet can touch the water is if you are crawling form above the tyrolean. Failure to succeed leads to a 30 burpees penalty.

What is the length of the Tyrolean Traverse?
The distance of the Tyrolean Traverse is approximately 20 feet.

How high is the Tyrolean Traverse?
The height of the Tyrolean Traverse may differ from races, plus you must consider the curve of the rope. In general, it's never higher than 7 feet at the beginning, and you could go as low as 1 foot from the ground in the middle of the Tyrolean.

Learn the best technique on how to crush the Tyrolean Traverse and check out my training tips for the Tyrolean Traverse

Vertical Cargo Net

Name: Vertical Cargo Net, Vertical Cargo 2.0

Type of obstacle: Multiple attempts

Description: The Vertical Cargo is a wall made of cargo nets. Participant must climb over the obstacle using the cargo net as a ladder. The Vertical Cargo 2.0 as an extra wooden platform to escalate before the actual cargo net wall.

Rules: You must climb the wall with only the help of the cargo net, and the obstacle support structure can't be used. Participants can re-try the obstacle if they neglect to climb correctly.

How tall is the Vertical Cargo Net?
The height of the Vertical Cargo Net is around 10 feet.

Learn the best technique on how to climb the Vertical Cargo Net

Wall Jump

Names: Wall Jump, Over Wall, 4’, 5’, 6’, 8’ Wall, Hurdles

Type of obstacle: Multiple attempts

Description: During a Spartan race you are sure to encounter walls along the course. Actually, almost every races start with a 3’ wall jump to get into the starting box. During the run, the height of the walls may vary from 4 to 10 feet. To climb those obstacles, all participants must pull themselves to the top using their arms and legs.

Rules: You can't use the support legs or the straps to climb over the wall, and the kicker is only available for female runners. If you re not able to cross the barrier, you'll have to perform the 30 mandatory burpees.

What is the highest wall to climb during a Spartan race?
The 10-foot wall is the tallest.

Learn the best technique on how to climb the walls and check out my training tips for the Wall Jump

Water Trenches

Names: Water Moats, Rolling Mud, Trenches, Rolling Snow

Type of obstacle: Multiple attempts

Description: It possible you'll encounter large water or mud puddle to cross during your next Spartan race. Depending on the location and time of the year, you may have to conquer the Water Moats, Rolling Mud, Trenches or Rolling Snow. The Rolling Mud obstacle is a series of hills followed by a pool of water.

Rules: Beware of not skirting around the obstacle, or you may have to re-start. All participants must stay in the obstacle boundaries, or they could get disqualified from the race. Also, no diving is allowed in the water.

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Spartan obstacles in Sprint

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Spartan obstacles in Super

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Spartan obstacles in Beast

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Spartan Stadium Obstacle list

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Multiple attempt obstacles

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Single attempt obstacles

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Mandatory obstacles

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Conclusion

This list has been created to help you understand the different obstacles, but it's possible that Spartan make changes on the dimensions or add new obstacles.

That's why you should always be prepared for anything when attending a Spartan Race. I suggest you adjust your training accordingly.

P.S. If you're searching for the best shoes for a Spartan Race and hoping to get genuine advice from a real runner. You should check out this list I created of the top Spartan Race shoes.

I have picked these running shoes because I'd used them in different obstacle races and mud runs. Plus, I'd confirmed my selection with my fellow OCR runners. With all their insights and my own experience, I've built this list of the top obstacle racing footwear.


Obstacle Ninja
Thank you for reading!

Hi, I'm the Obstacle Ninja, and I will share with you my tips on how to crush it at your next obstacle racing. Also, how to get your little ninja more active with obstacle course. Want to know more about me? Read my story!

Obstacle Ninja
Hi, I'm the Obstacle Ninja, and my passion is OCR (obstacle course running).

My idea of the perfect weekend is to run a Spartan Race or Tough Mudder with my family. We love to run in the mud and challenge your self with the obstacle. My kids and I, we love to watch Ninja warrior and train for our next obstacle race or mud run.

I will share with you my tips on how to crush it at your next obstacle racing. Also, how to get your little ninja more active with obstacle course.

Want to know more about me?
Read my story!

Got questions? Contact me!