As runners in Sunday’s Cove To Clover 5k race labored up Snake Hill they must surely have been thinking that it was smooth sailing to the finish line from there. But alas, it was not to be.

As they rounded the corner on to 20th Street they were confronted by smoke and chaos. Lurking in the mist, a band of barbarian warriors defending a wall built across the race course.

Runners could detour around the wall — losing time — or tackle it head on and clamber up four tiers of hay bales to reach the other side.

The majority of runners proved to be up to the challenge.

Finally — seeing that their obstacle proved unable to stop the Cove To Clover runners — the barbarians wandered off. Lured no doubt by the distant sounds of the beer garden in Burien Town Square.

Will they be back next year? Only time will tell.

BTB photographer Michael Brunk bribed his way into the barbarian encampment and sent back these photos. We’ll have many, many more photos in a full gallery of our Cove To Clover photo coverage later this week.

Note: You can click individual images to view them larger.

Barbarians getting their game faces on before the start of the Cove To Clover 5k

“Do you see what I see?” – Early runners confronted by The Uprising

Raul Silva — who would ultimately win the Cove To Clover — was also first runner to tackle The Uprising

Matt Parker — winner of last year’s Brat Trot 5k — isn’t intimidated by barbarians with swords

After leading most of the way up Snake Hill, Aiden Basco tackles The Uprising

Unicyclist Kevin Williams escapes after confusing the barbarians by carrying his unicycle over the wall

An impromptu celebration on top of the wall, but still a mile to go before you’re done kilted running man!

Damp conditions no doubt made keeping your cigar lit problematic, but did provide fire protection for the hay bales

Runner-in-training observes dad negotiating the wall from the comfort of his backpack

No end to the runners and walkers in sight… the barbarians are going to have to try harder

After the bulk of the main race made it past The Uprising, it was time for the Wee Race to kick off