The character of each Spartan Race is somewhat dependent on the terrain, and Todd Sedlak, race director for Saturday’s event south of Bigfork, is taking full advantage of the site’s rugged Montana characteristics.

“He’s enjoying the natural terrain, all the elevation gain and the rocks and gullies,” said Diane Medler, director of the sponsoring Kalispell Convention and Visitor Bureau. “He’s having fun and making some interesting obstacles. Quite often they don’t have the natural terrain to add to the complexity.”

The race, the first Spartan obstacle event in Montana, is being held on property south of Flathead Lake Lodge off Montana 35. Around 4,300 racers have signed up, and Medler said 64 percent of the participants are traveling at least 100 miles to race.

Spartan Races — runs made more difficult by many obstacles along the way — are a growing worldwide phenomenon. Saturday’s event will feature a mud pit through which participants have to crawl under barbed wire, a javelin throw, rope and monkey-bar climbs, tire flipping and much more.

Starting at 8 a.m., waves of 200 athletes at a time will be released every 15 minutes onto the course.

Each Spartan course is at the discretion of the race director, so there may be more than the promised 15 obstacles being put together by the more than 20 Spartan staffers, Medler said.

The length of the course is shaping up to be a bit less than five miles.

“A sprint is three-plus miles, and it’s up to the race director to determine what the ‘plus’ really means,” Medler said

The chances that anyone will finish the course in under an hour are slim, Medler said. Estimates are around two or more hours for most people.

All racers received emails with extensive instructions on Wednesday.

Medler said it can’t be emphasized enough that people should not try to park at the race site or along Montana 35. Parking for the event is at the corner of Montana 35 and Montana 82, and 16 free shuttle buses will transport participants and spectators to the race site.

With so many buses running continuously starting at 6 a.m., Medler said people should not worry about waiting long for a ride in either direction. Organizers ask that racers arrive at the parking area two and a half hours before their designated race times.

Parking costs $10 cash per vehicle. Carpooling is highly encouraged, Medler said.

Since racers will be muddy and wet at the finish line, they probably will want to bring clean clothes to change into following the race. Heated changing tents will be available.

A bag check is available for $5, and in light of the recent events at the Boston Marathon, there will be a stricter bag-check policy than is normal at a Spartan race.

Upon entering the festival area, there may be security personnel on hand to inspect bags. Bring small bags with zippers that can be fastened shut. The bag check tent will open at 6:30 a.m. and closes at 5:15 p.m.

Spectator passes cost $20 online through today or $25 at the site. Children ages 13 and under are admitted for free. The course will pass partially through a festival area for viewing. There will also be a party atmosphere, with food, drink and product vendors on site, and assorted physical challenges taking place throughout the day.

Racers are being encouraged to pick up their race packets at the pregame check-in and party at the parking lot to the east of Sportsman & Ski Haus in Kalispell tonight. From 5:30 to 7:30 p.m., organizers will check in racers and there will be live music by the Copper Mountain Band plus free food and beer for sale from Tamarack and Flathead Lake brewing companies.

All are invited to the festivities, which also feature a chance to practice the Spartan spear throw.

Business reporter Heidi Gaiser may be reached at 758-4439 or by email at hgaiser@dailyinterlake.com.