Running the Gauntlet

Want to add the title “gladiator” to your resume? Make your way to Lake Geneva on March 31 for an event that will test the mettle of even the toughest tri-athlete. Participants in the Gladiator Assault Challenge will run a 6.5-mile obstacle course on Saturday, March 31 or Sunday, April 1. The race starts with a slippery stretch wherein participants will run, jump, and otherwise traverse mud pits, water, and snow while avoiding barbed wire. The course continues with a series of tunnel crawls, archery tests, and climbing walls over terrain that cuts through ski hills, horse trails, and a sand dune. Following the race, competitors (now officially allowed to claim the title of Gladiator) and their supporters will celebrate with live music, food, and adult beverages. If you want to compete, the fee is $90; or you can watch for $12.

GO Geneva Gladiator Assault Challenge at the Grand Geneva Resort & Spa (7036 Grand Geneva Wy., Lake Geneva, Wisconsin; 800-558-3417, gladiatorassault.com/wisgrandgeneva).

Where to stay: Since the course runs over its expansive grounds, the Grand Geneva Resort & Spa (7036 Grand Geneva Wy.; 800-558-3417, grandgeneva.com) is the most convenient place to stay; special Gladiator-weekend rates start at $125 a night. If you want to follow the race with isolation and tranquility, try the White Swan Inn (W3520 State Rd. 50; 262-348-9338, whiteswanbb.com), which has four lavishly appointed rooms; rates range from $189 to $259 a night.

Where to eat: For casual fare, Medusa Grill & Bistro (501 Broad St.; 262-249-8644, medusagrillandbistro.com) offers plenty of surf and turf options on a menu that changes daily. Sprecher’s Restaurant & Pub (111 Center St.; 262-248-7047, sprecherspub.com) has an extensive roster of micro-brews and artisan sodas (for example, cherry cola made with locally grown cherries) as well as its signature entrees, including ale-simmered sausage and short ribs slow-cooked in Sprecher Pub Brown Ale.

Photograph: Courtesy of the Grand Geneva Resort & Spa