‍

On a warm Sunday at the end of September, ZOOZ Fitness athletes and coaches pushed past limits, faced obstacles, and proved once again that inclusion and strength go hand in hand. At the Spartan race in Temecula, the team lifted heavy buckets and sandbags, scaled towering walls, crawled under barbed wire, and powered through mud — showing the world what perseverance truly looks like.

‍

“I had an amazing time and feel so strong,” said Daniel, a first-time Spartan athlete beaming with pride after crossing the finish line. “At first, I didn’t know if I could do it — but I did! I’m already excited for the next one.”

‍

The Journey to Temecula

‍

The day kicked off bright and early at 8 a.m. as athletes and coaches gathered at ZOOZ. Founder Jake Weiner rented a van to make the trip possible, and together the team set out on the hour-and-a-half trek, buzzing with anticipation. Once at the race, Coach Tristan led the group through a dynamic warm-up, preparing everyone mentally and physically for what was ahead.

‍

3.1 Miles, 20 Obstacles, Endless Determination

‍

The race began with an immediate test of grit — a crawl beneath barbed wire followed by a five-foot wall climb. From there, the athletes faced more than 20 obstacles spread across a 5K course: the Atlas Carry, A-frame cargo climb, inverted wall, Hercules hoist, multi-rig swing, rope climb, bucket and sandbag carries, slip wall, spear throw, and even a trek through a muddy lake.

‍

Dusty trails, steep hills, and relentless challenges didn’t stop the ZOOZ team. Athletes ran, walked, climbed, and crawled their way forward, cheered on by their coaches and each other.

‍

Voices from the Team

‍

“Watching our athletes tackle these challenges is awe-inspiring,” said Jake Weiner, founder of ZOOZ Fitness. “It’s not just about finishing a race — it’s about proving to themselves that they’re capable of more than they imagined. That kind of confidence carries into every part of their lives.”

‍

For Jared, ZOOZ’s fitness director, the event was about more than physical achievement: “Sports and fitness build confidence, teamwork, and resilience. Seeing our athletes support each other on the course — cheering, lifting, pushing together — that’s what ZOOZ is all about. This is inclusion in action.”

‍

Daniel, reflecting on his experience, added, “I feel stronger than ever. This showed me that I can do hard things, and it makes me believe in myself even more.”

‍

Crossing the Finish Line

‍

With sweat, determination, and unstoppable spirit, ZOOZ athletes completed the course and crossed the finish line to cheers, high-fives, and medals around their necks. The race wasn’t just about conquering obstacles — it was about building confidence, proving ability, and showing that inclusive fitness means no limits.

‍

Looking Ahead

‍

The Spartan race has quickly become a tradition for ZOOZ, and this is only the beginning. The team plans to continue competing in Spartan events each year while also expanding other community-driven activities that give athletes the chance to challenge themselves, connect with one another, and celebrate inclusion through fitness.

‍