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The seven-kilometre course at Mount Sima featured nearly 50 obstacles meant to test every muscle of the human body.

James Paterson completed the loop three times. The 42-year-old deputy fire marshal for the Yukon set the pace at the second annual Awesome Warrior Challenge with a total time of 3:06:46.

"I'm with the fire marshal's office, and we like to set the bar pretty high,鈥� Paterson told the Star post-race. "That's what we do. We lead from the front.鈥�

Paterson completed one lap last year, when it was held at the mud bog near Robert Service Campground, but said he wasn't in shape for it then.

Times have definitely changed. Following his interview with the Star, Paterson dropped down to the dirt to complete a number of pushups.

"This year, I set it as a goal, just do it 鈥� and then there's no choice. You show up here on race day and it's time to work,鈥� he said. "My job is to protect guys like you and the citizens of Whitehorse and in the territory, and I'm not going to let you down. I guarantee it. Stuff like this keeps me in shape, and I guarantee, if you need me, I'll be there for you.鈥�

Competitors began the race near the ski lodge, moving over and under various obstacles on their way up the hill, before making their way back down to the finish.

Racers had to drag tires, climb over a variety of wooden frames, crawl through mud and battle zombies in order to finish. There were 48 challenges in total, said Free.

In the one-lap category, Julia Gerlach defended her title from last year with a 45:30 lap of the course. Terry Joss was the top male in a time of 45:37.

Awesome Warrior Challenge president Taelin Free said the event doubles as a Tough Mudder, which takes place in other provinces across the country.

Free said holding the event at Mount Sima this year made for a more spectator-friendly event.

"This is great,鈥� he said. "We would like to come back again for sure. We like the setup with the mountain. It's got lots of flexibility.鈥�

Graeme Peters was talked into competing by his younger brother Jody. They each completed one lap, both finishing in just over 51 minutes.

"I've never done anything like this before,鈥� said Graeme, 30. "I blame my younger brother Jody.鈥�

Peters said he was convinced while out for an "adult Coca-Cola鈥� with his brother, but though it was hard, he was pretty proud of himself. He likened the race to sheep hunting in the Yukon.

"I go sheep hunting with my dad, and that's basically what we just did, but for five days in a row,鈥� he said. "Mentally, this is the hardest race I've ever done for sure.鈥�

He said he'll be back next year to race again, and said his father Vern has also committed to take the challenge at the age of 61.

Competitors were also able to race in team formats.

The first team to cross the line and ring the bell was Team Pickle of Carmacks, made up of Brittany Weber, Rachel Hanna, Tina Harrison and Chantalle DesRoches, in a time of 2:20:14.

Winners received Challenge Coins, which can be used to challenge other holders to pay for small items such as a meal. If the other holder isn't carrying their coin, they pay.

"I think this is going to grow,鈥� Free said of the competition. "It's exercise, but it's playing at the same time. You're also problem solving. You're getting a pretty full body-testing run.鈥�

Results

Warrior Babes: 1. Julia Gerlach (45:30); 2. Marianne Phelps (49:57); 3. Pauline Frost (55:43).

Warrior Dudes: 1. Terry Joss (45:37); 2. Charlie Furchner (47:43); 3. Jason MacKay (47:44).

Warrior Team: Brittany Weber, Rachel Hanna, Tina Harrison and Chantalle DesRoches (2:20:14).

Outrageous Warriors (three laps): 1. James Paterson (3:06:46); 2. (tie) Cody Morrison and Devon Armstrong (3:57:23).