2013 Grace Men’s Retreat Competitions

The Spartan Challenge

1.Tire Flip

This is a head-to-head relay race with 10men on each team. Members will flip a large tractor tire end-over-end for a prescribed distance (~ 50’) to a waiting teammate. They will trade off until all members of the team have completed the task. First team to finish wins.

2.Boulder and Chain Drag

This is also a head-to-head relay race with 10 men on each team. Members will drag a concrete block and chain for a prescribed distance (~ 50’) to a waiting teammate. They will trade off until all members of the team have completed the task. First team to finish wins.

3.Tire Carry Relay

This is a head-to-head relay race with 10 men on each team. Members will carry a medium-sized (~40 lb) tractor tire over their head for a prescribed distance (~ 50’) to a waiting teammate. They will transfer the tire to a teammate who will carry the tire back across the distance. This will continue until all 10 members of the team have completed the task. First team to finish wins.

4.Spear Throw

Fifteenmen from each team will take turns throwing a spear as far and as accurately as they can. Hay bales will be set up at 20, 30, and 40 yards down field. Points will be given for distance and accuracy. Each member will get one throw. Top five throwers will compete in a throw-off. Points will be additive.

5.Gauntlet Run

20 men from each team will run a ½ mile loop course on established paths (but through the woods), through a WALL OF FIRE and return to face the gauntlet, 2 members of the opposing team with pugil sticks (padded knock-down poles) in a narrow lane preceding the finish line. Points for top ten finishers.

6.Canoe Race

This is a relay race – shotgun start – 4 canoes for each team. Pairs of men (2/canoe) will race down to a buoy positioned in the middle of the lake, go around the buoy and return to the dock. They will get out of the canoe and another pair of men will get in. They will race to the buoy, around and back. First team back wins.

7.Tug-O-War

25 men from each team will compete in a traditional tug-o-war over a tarp laden with unmentionables. Three rounds. Points awarded for each round won.