Scrabble contest a test of endurance

BLOOMINGTON, Minn., Jan. 19 (UPI) -- Those taking part in a marathon Scrabble contest in Minnesota this weekend say they need to endure both mental strain and quirky competitors to succeed.

Competitor Stephanie Steele, who traveled from St. Paul for Saturday's competition in Bloomington, said the RedEye Tournament brings a wide variety of participants who each bring something unique to the gaming table, the St. Paul Pioneer Press reported.

"It definitely is an interesting group of people," the stay-at-home mom said of her fellow Scrabble aficionados.

While a message therapist will be on hand for the marathon Scrabble session, which includes nearly 28 hours of gaming in just 40 total hours, Steele said the strain can get to participants.

"You have to pace yourself," Steele told the newspaper. "By Sunday and Game 24, people start feeling it, hunching over the board. You look down at your rack, and it might as well be Cheez-Its sitting there."