On a wet and windy Scottish weekend almost 12,000 brave Mudders descended upon the usually peaceful Dalkeith Country Estate to take on the third UK Tough Mudder of 2013 – the military style obstacle course dubbed ‘probably the toughest event on the planet’.
A brave Mudder takes on one of the 18 gruelling Tough Mudder obstacles at this weekend’s event in Dalkeith
Over the past four weeks, the estate near Edinburgh has been transformed into a muddy haven, as the eighteen treacherous obstacles including course staples — Arctic Enema, Kiss of Mud, Everest and Electroshock Therapy — were erected. In the ultimate test of fitness, endurance, mental strength and camaraderie, participants were then challenged to navigate their way around the gruelling 12-mile course.
With the inclement weather adding to the tonnes of tough mud, Mudders – donning a variety of outfits including kilts, ‘See You Jimmy’ hats and a variety of superheroes – negotiated muddy trenches, waist-high lakes, ice-cold water and claustrophobic tunnels. And if that wasn’t enough Mudders were presented with 10,000 volts of ‘Electroshock Therapy’ before crossing the finishing line and earning their pint and coveted orange Tough Mudder headband.
Founded and run by Englishmen Will Dean and Guy Livingstone, Tough Mudder has already established itself in America, Australia and now the UK since its launch in May 2010, and earlier this year signed up its one millionth participant worldwide. Sarah Harvey, the organisation’s UK Vice President said “There has been an overwhelming reception so far this year, and we are delighted to be able to come to the wonderful location that is Dalkeith Country Estate for this year’s Scotland event. The only thing more electrifying than the ‘Electroshock Therapy’, is the atmosphere generated by participants and spectators alike, not to mention our wonderful volunteers.”
It is not too late for participants to register for a 2013 event, those who think they are tough enough to meet the challenge can sign up for the Yorkshire (7/8th Sept), South West (21/22nd Sept) and/or North West (5/6th Oct) challenges by clicking on the link.