‘Obstacle race from hell’ is no match for soldier who lost legs

Lance Bombardier James Simpson, 27, of Rawdon, Leeds, became the first British double amputee to run a Spartan Race obstacle course when he completed the challenge in Ripon yesterday.

He ran four miles in his short prosthetic legs – which he calls “stubbies” – to tackle 25 obstacles including leaping over flaming logs, scaling 30ft high cargo nets, wading through muddy ditches and tunnel crawls.

After finishing the course in just over four hours, he said: “It could have taken more than 10 hours, it was not the thing I was interested in. I did it because I wanted the challenge. I just wanted to get to the end. I am exhausted.”

Thousands of spectators gave him a standing ovation as he crossed the finishing line at the Spartan Race – named after the fearless ancient Greek warriors. Many able-bodied athletes did not manage to complete the open-country run, which also included ice-pit plunges and cargo-net climbs.

Race director Richard Lee said: “James is an inspiration to everybody.”

Lnc Bdr Simpson was serving with 5th Regiment, Royal Artillery when he stepped on an improvised explosive device as he returned from a foot patrol. He lost both his legs above the knee and damaged both his arms in the blast in November 2009.