This month, April Luu will run the race of a lifetime, with an opportunity to be crowned the top female obstacle racer in the world. She will face tough competition. Luu has to beat Amelia Boone, who currently holds the world championship title. In the last few months, Luu ran a championship race in Washougal, Wash., to gain extra points, which she hoped would put her ahead of her competitors in the overall standings. ìIt was the worst race ever,î she said. ìI wound up falling and missing three obstacles.î Despite the setbacks, Luu took third place and gained five extra points.After the race in Washington, Luu competed in a Beast race in Monterrey, Calif., where she took first place and added 300 points to her overall score, putting her just one point in front of Boone. ìThe only person I need to worry about is Amelia Boone,î Luu said. ìMy biggest focus going into Vermont is killing it.î There is a rumor that $250,000 worth of prize money is up for grabs at this yearís race, Luu said. ìIím not sure how it is going to be divided up, but last yearís first prize was $10,000,î she said.Luu continues to train mentally and physically for the big race. ìI have to train like Rocky,î she said. ìI have to go kill this thing and earn it and bring it home.îThe World Championship Spartan Race is Sept. 21 and Sept. 22 in Vermont. NBC Sports is covering it. The network also plans to feature one racer who will talk about the sport on national television. NBC is choosing the racer based on online votes. So far, Luu is among the top three favorites. For anyone interested in voting, visit http://pages.spartanrace.com
