ZOOZ Fitness Athletes Conquer the Spartan Stadion at Dodger Stadium

The ZOOZ Fitness team after completing the Dodger Stadium Spartan!

On a sunny spring Saturday, over a dozen athletes and trainers from ZOOZ Fitness took on the 2025 Dodger Stadium Spartan Stadion 5K — an intense obstacle course set inside the iconic stadium, the oldest Major League ballpark west of the Mississippi.

The event wasn’t just a race. For the ZOOZ community, it was a milestone — a testament to the grit, heart, and unshakable determination of its adaptive athletes.

Participants including Ashton, Joseph, James, Galen, Caroline, Hayley, Alex, Jordan, Matias, Gabriel, Andrew, Christina, Evan, and Loren powered through more than 20 grueling obstacles: scaling endless bleachers, completing slam balls, carrying sandbags, lifting weighted spheres, tackling the "Hercules Hoist," swinging across monkey bars and multi-rigs, charging through agility zones, and conquering walls up to 8 feet high.

“It was hard, but I feel good,” said Andrew, a long-time ZOOZ athlete who completed the race alongside his brother, Coach Ethan. Andrew, who is on the autism spectrum, wasn’t just finishing a race — he was breaking barriers.

Their parents, beaming with pride at the finish line, were moved to tears.

Coach Ethan, his brother Andrew, and their mom after completing the Spartan race.

“There aren’t words,” said their mom, Sally. “It’s amazing for people to see athletes like Andrew out here doing things they may have once thought were impossible. Having two of our kids out here — one leading, one competing — we're beyond proud.”

Ethan echoed the emotion.

“Watching my brother finish that race was just the best thing I’ve ever experienced. Seeing all the athletes cross the finish line — it was inspiring.”

Andrew during the race.

The course pushed every athlete to their physical and mental limits, with finish times ranging from 40 minutes to two hours. The energy? Off the charts. Sweat, smiles, and high-fives marked the day.

“The race was so good for me to work out hard,” said Ashton, Coach Cammy’s brother, who raced in honor of his father. “I did it for my dad, Mike!”

Throughout the course, ZOOZ coaches — Travis, Jared, Will, Tristan, Allison, Jay, Edwin, Josh, Benjamin, Ethan, Emma, Danielle, and Tyler — were right beside the athletes, offering support every step of the way. Whether it was a boost over a wall, guidance through a tricky rig, or a literal piggyback ride up an endless stair climb (shoutout to Coach Travis!), the ZOOZ coaches made sure no athlete was left behind.

“This was such a powerful opportunity to show our athletes and their families what’s truly possible,” said Coach Travis.

Coach Ben added, “I’m so proud — not only to have finished the race, but to be a part of this incredible team. What we accomplished out there is something I’ll never forget.”

The event was made possible through Spartan's commitment to inclusion, with support from advocates like Dan McDonald, Spartan’s Chief of Staff and Head of HR.

“For many of us at Spartan, working with organizations like ZOOZ is our why,” Dan said. “The fact that your team ensures all athletes get the chance to compete — that’s what OCR (Obstacle Course Racing) is all about. This is more than a sport. It’s a life-changing lifestyle.”

On the sidelines, friends and family members cheered on their loved ones with teary eyes and full hearts.

Gilda, Loren’s mom, shared, “I could see the joy and fulfillment on his face. He was smiling ear to ear. I’m just so grateful to ZOOZ for giving him — and all these amazing athletes — this opportunity.”

And the best part? This is only the beginning.

As the ZOOZ crew packed up, covered in sweat, mud, and medals, one thing was clear: they’re already counting down the days to the next race.

Hayley after receiving her medal.

“I can’t wait!” said Hayley, still glowing from the experience.