The first-ever Spartan obstacle race is coming to Squamish in a little over a week but competitors shouldn’t expect to know any details about the course beforehand. It’s a surprise.

Race organizer Dean Stanton has spent months designing and putting together the course in secrecy and he expects an event that Squamish residents won’t soon forget.

“It’s looking good,” he said, of the race taking place on Sept. 22. “We’re at over 1,000 people signed up at the moment and we’re really excited to be in Squamish.”

Stanton would only divulge that the course will feature more than 20 obstacles, starting at the Loggers Sports Grounds and going through the Smoke Bluffs and Crumpit Woods.

“Spartan Races never give out information in advance on the course, as that’s one of the hallmarks of the races,” said Katie Idle, Spartan Race Western Canada spokesperson. “You never know what to expect, so you have to prepare for everything.”

The Squamish race, which will be rated as a “super,” will be a 12-kilometre race featuring heats of up to 250 people hitting the course at 9 a.m. and every half hour until 1 p.m. Those who dominate in the Squamish race will qualify to compete in one of the five “beast” races taking place after the local “super.”

Spectators are free to come to the Loggers Sports Grounds to watch the action. Stanton said he expected five to six obstacles at the grounds, along with beer gardens and live music.

Those still interested can register online at www.spartanrace.com and Stanton added that the event is still looking for volunteers. For more information on volunteer positions, call Suzy Stanton at (604) 990-0503 or stanton8@telus.net.

“We really want to put on a good event and hope to get a good turnout,” Stanton added. “And we’re looking forward to coming back to Squamish in the future.”