Spartans go for gold in Beijing

Nearly 20,000 people participated in the Spartan race last weekend in Beijing, a record number. It's the first time the three categories of Spartan Sprint, Super and Beast were held together on the Chinese mainland. According to the rules of Spartan race, participants are entitled to a trifecta medal if they conquer the three events in one calendar year. The Sprint requires the runners to deliver 20 to 23 obstacles over more than three miles, and is a favorite among both new and returning racers. The Super requires runners to cross more than 25 obstacles and eight miles of rugged terrain, while the Beast requires runners to complete more than 12 miles and 30 obstacles.