More than 7,000 young Spartan lovers challenged their will and strength during the past weekend at the Chaoshan natural resort in Hangzhou.

Children aged 4 to 14 were divided into three age groups and raced in three distances of (2.6 kilometers with 14 obstacles, 3.4 km with 19 obstacles and 4.9 km with 24 obstacles) in the plum blossom resort in the northeast suburb area of Hangzhou.

The young runners needed to climb ladders, run on uneven terraces and cross over the mud against the background of traditional Chinese gardens.

Wu Baiheng, who finished as runner-up in the 12-14 age elite group in Hangzhou, said he regretted not having known about the Spartan earlier and is dreaming of representing China to compete at the world kids championships.

Adult races will be held the rest of the year in Beijing, Chongli and the Moganshan tourist area.