Maybe I've been watching it too much because it seems like the same two fisherman, gas station attendant and guy in singlet and running shorts are always conquering the first stage.
Last night I heard one of them introduced as a winner seven years ago. They must show the competitions out of order because sometimes I could swear I've seen them or others make it up the final spider/rope climb.
I tend to prefer the middle stages the women do. They require more balance than arm strength.
What any of it has to do with ninjas I don't understand, but I can't stop watching it.