The first thing that comes to mind when you hear about the Spartan race – an obstacle course in which contestants climb walls, throw spears, lug heavy weights and crawl under or through barbed wire and mud, respectively – is probably, Why would anyone do that?
Faye Gao, a participant in Shenzhen's first ever Spartan race, has an answer.
“The build-up to this event has brought me and my co-workers closer together, we’ve been training together, staying healthy together and really bonded as a group,” she told photographer Mark Anthony.
Gao isn't alone. Over 5,000 intrepid fitness enthusiasts signed up for the event, held in Mission Hills this past weekend.
'Elite' athletes were scheduled to race for cash prizes in the morning, while the afternoon was assigned for groups.
All faced a 7-kilometer course with 22 military-type obstacles.
As various bands of co-workers, friends or family struggled through extra-high monkey bars and huge mud pits, racers helped each other out and sometimes even posed for the camera.
See more epic action shots from the race below. And in case you missed it this time around, never fear – the Spartan race is returning to Shenzhen next year.
See more of Mark Anthony's photography here.
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