Tough Mudder is a 10-12 mile run. Sounds feasible? But with 20 to 25 military-style obstacles designed by British Special Forces with (this year) double the mud, double the obstacles and double the events, it’s an event to make even the toughest quail.
Brave the electrified fields
The endurance phenomenon started in America before moving on to take Australia by storm. It came to the UK last year with three events in London, Manchester and Edinburgh. Now, following an overwhelming reception and huge demand, 2013 sees the amount of events in the UK double to six nationally.
The brainchild of Englishmen Will Dean and Guy Livingstone, the event started with three events in the US. In 2013, that’s risen to with 53 events in a grwoing number of countries. Home to the most innovative courses and 700,000 inspiring participants worldwide to date – and over 750,000 expected participants this year alone – Tough Mudder is the premier adventure challenge series in the world. And indeed, unlike any marathon or mud run, Tough Mudder is not a race, but a challenge – a challenge to test mental toughness and physical endurance whilst emphasising teamwork and camaraderie. A number of the course’s grueling obstacles can’t be completed solo, and all participants are required to recite the Tough Mudder pledge before starting each event.
To get through mud, fire, ice water and 10,000 volts of electricity, you’ll need teammates to pick you up when morale is low. To get over 12-foot walls and through underground mud tunnels, you’ll need teammates to give you a boost and a push. Tough Mudders are team players who make sure no Mudder gets left behind.
It’s all about teamwork
The event is not about competing against peers, racing for the fastest time or winning a medal, but about taking part and completing what is “Probably the Toughest event on the Planet.” Simply completing a Tough Mudder is an achievement in itself and a badge of honour. And after a demanding, physically and mentally draining 12 miles, who needs a medal when you can have an ice-cold pint?
The first UK events took place in ‘London North’ in May and then ‘London South’ in June. But now, it’s coming back to Scotland in August, before moving on to Yorkshire and the South West in September, finishing with the North West event in October. The Scottish event will take place on the 24th and 25th August on a special course near Dalkeith.
All Tough Mudders who think they are tough enough to meet the challenge can register now HERE!