The Spartan race is a different type of obstacle course race. The focus is on team work and helping to overcome fear, pain, and inability. Together, Spartan runners help one another to accomplish things that may not be possible alone.

This particular race, the Super Spartan Las Vegas, took place in the middle of a mountain desert about 20 minutes south of the city of Las Vegas. Shuttles picked up runners from the Goldstrike Hotel and Casino parking lot, and traveled roughly 7 miles north to the venue.

Parking was efficient and the shuttles moved runners to the venue quickly. The registration lines were long, but moved quickly allowing just the right amount of time to check in, make it to bag check, hit the porta potty and line up at the start.

Our heat started on time, and began with a flat run through desert terrain. The flat, quick run rapidly turned into an up-mountain hike as runners went up, over, down and around a sizable mountain. A handful of obstacles such as the OUT (Over, Under, Through), hurdles and more were dispersed throughout the run. Many runners were surprised by the amount of running that was involved between obstacles. One thing to keep in mind when running a Spartan, is that you do not know the actual obstacles, distance, or water aid availability before the morning of the race. A Super Spartan can be anywhere from 8-10 miles in length, and this specific Super Spartan totaled just over 9 miles.

It is definitely important to come prepared with your own hydration pack and fuel, as water aid stations are not guaranteed. There were enough aid stations for me to keep my hydration pack filled the entire race.

Volunteers are a major component of any Spartan race, and while there were many volunteers around near the bulk of the obstacles, there were no staff or volunteers on the mountain. Several runners did need assistance during this portion of the race, and were helped by other race participants.

I personally recommend bringing some essentials with you for any Spartan race. These include a hydration pack, fuel/electrolytes, gloves and non-cotton performance clothing.

One special element to the Spartan races are that you receive a high quality finishers medal and shirt. Each medal also comes with a segmented piece. As a racer completes each of three distances over time, a full medal is made from the segments. This is referred to as a trifecta. In order to complete a trifecta, a racer must complete each of the three distances (Sprint 3-5 miles, Super 8-10 miles and Beast 11-13 miles) within one calendar year. Some travel will probably be required in order to complete all three distances.

While I was anticipating this race to be much more difficult than the Sprint distance I had previously completed, I found that it was not necessarily harder but it was 4 miles longer. There was definitely a significant amount of running.

Overall, I felt very satisfied with my experience. Some things that the race coordinators could work on for next year would be better communication and training for volunteers, additional support staff in areas throughout the run and mountain traversing, and potentially moving some of the wet obstacles towards the middle of the race (as they were all at the end, after racers had run 8 miles in the desert in mid-April). These small changes would take this race from great to fantastic!

I highly recommend completing a Spartan race (or trifecta) to anyone! The Spartan motto sums it up best: "You'll know at the finish line."

The pre-race expo was over the top! Tent after tent of vendors were present with samples, coupons, merchandise and sales. It took a good 45 minutes to quickly visit the majority of the vendors and I left with my packet bag full of goodies.

It was slightly challenging to reach the parking lot in the morning, as the majority of roads were closed by 4:30am. The race was a very early one, with a 6:30am start time. Once reaching the parking lot, it was very easy to find a space as all of Mesa Riverview was available for runners. It was a very short walk from car to bus line, and we were quickly loaded onto a school bus which shuttled runners to their start lines.

There was a bank of porta potties immediately after exiting the bus. Luckily, we arrived early as this line took nearly 45 minutes to get through. The start line was energetic, filled with music and excitement. The National Anthem was sung and fireworks were set off. Fireworks were also used as the starting gun.

The race, while titled Phoenix, actually runs through Mesa. The course was well marked, flat and had an excellent cloud cover. One benefit of the early morning start time, was that the sun came up during the start of the race, and the course ran west, making sunglasses unnecessary.

A large amount of spectators were set up along the route, with many locals sitting in their yards. A water station was available every mile of the race, which made for excellent hydration and re-fueling. Each station had water, gatorade, and gels.

After crossing the finish line, runners received an empty bag which was quickly filled with free goodies and giveaways. A large amount of food was available, as were several massage tents.

This race was a very enjoyable experience, and I look forward to completing the half next year.

Several different distances were available to choose from (1K, 4K, 8K, and 17K). This race is promoted as a fun (yet timed) run and costumes are encouraged. Dogs are also encouraged to show up, dress up, and race.

There were several issues with this course. First, the start time listed on the website and sent in confirmation emails, did not match. When it was time for the race to start, it was not announced which distance was starting. Several 8K runners ended up starting before the gun, with the 17K runners.

The start of the race was pleasant and flat, with the first bathroom and aid station at mile 2. When asked where the next bathroom stop was, a volunteer said 2 more miles. With this information, several runners passed on the first bathroom/water stop. After several miles of running, it became clear that there was not a bathroom aid station at mile 4. In fact, it was not until mile 7. Many of the runners were in desperate need of the bathroom long before that time.

There were too few water stations for such a long course. Many of the runners were dressed in costumes or festive outfits, and the morning heated up very quickly. This made for a rather uncomfortable 10.5 mile run.

The second half of the course contained a large amount of rolling hills, yet the water stations were still sparse. Many runners resorted to walking, due to the lack of bathroom facilities or water. I did bring a hand-held 8oz water, which was empty before reaching the next water station several times.

The were very few volunteers monitoring the course, and none of the volunteers knew where the other aid stations were located. Even after completing the race, it was difficult to locate any volunteers with information.

Overall, this race was challenging due to the sparse availability of water and bathrooms. It was poorly managed and organized. Hopefully, some of these issues will be addressed for next year's race, however I think I will pass on this 17K race in future years.

The Lost Dutchman 8K is an excellent first trail race! The course is flat and fast, and does not require trail shoes. The running path itself is rather narrow, which made for some interesting passes in certain places, but this slight inconvenience is completely forgotten by the breathtaking view of the Superstition Mountain in the backdrop.

The start line did have time corrals, which helped runners to place themselves appropriately at the start. This is extra important, as it is a bit challenging to pass slower runners in the first portion of the race.

Runners should note that there are cacti and other desert life along the path. This can present a small hazard if you step off the path in order to pass another runner. Another area of caution would be the loose rock areas. In several places, it is possible to mis-step and fall, if not careful about foot placement. The path is a trail, but does not increase in elevation.

After completing the race, runners are treated to a buffet style food bar containing breakfast burritos, bagel quarters, fruit, yogurt, and water/Gatorade. The food was much appreciated.

Each race distance had a different medal, and the 8K medal was most certainly worth the run! This year runners also received a soft and light, long sleeved tee, plus many packet pickup perks.

A Spartan race is unlike any other race. The caliber of this race is much higher than many other mud run style obstacle courses. The course is high-quality, challenging, intimidating and even sometimes scary. The point of such a course is to truly challenge yourself to rise above and beyond what you thought you were capable of completing.

That being said, don't worry! Spartans are the most supportive, encouraging, and helpful participants. NO one is left behind, and complete strangers will help you to complete even the most challenging of obstacles.

Part of the Spartan race is not knowing what obstacles you will race until the morning of. This can make it difficult to prepare, but the Spartan website provides plenty of training tips and plans to help you prepare. If you are unable to complete an obstacle, you are required to complete 30 burpees (not as easy as they sound).

A Spartan Sprint is set to be anywhere from 3-5 miles, and this years race totaled 5 miles. One area to improve on would be the amount/location of water stations. The first water station seemed to take forever to reach and the day was unseasonably warm as well. I would highly recommend bringing your own water to hold you from station to station.

Another recommendation is to wear/carry a good pair of gloves. Many of the obstacles require hand grip strength, and the gloves really make a difference. Also, wear an old pair of well-draining shoes. Old, muddy shoes can be donated to charity after the race.

Once you cross the finish line fire jump, you get a CLIF bar, banana and water. Since the race is not sponsored, but solely run by Spartan, there are no other free vendors on site. You should also note that spectators are required to pay 20-25 dollars to watch, and most of the course is not visable from the spectator area. Parking is also 10 dollars per vehicle, so carpool when possible!

The medal is a heavy, high-quality round medal. With it you also receive a triangle medal chunk. When you complete the 2 longer distances, you can collect the three chunks to create a Trifecta medal. Spartan races are highly addictive, and I know I am hooked!