Tough Mudder
The phrase ‘tough mudder’ is usually heard in relation to events which combine mud and obstacle courses. Inspired by British Special Forces training, they are designed to take participants out of their comfort zone and test physical and mental strength. They also encourage team work as runners often need to help each other in order to complete the course.
Events take place throughout the UK all year round. There are variations on the theme, including shorter ‘half’ courses and special events for children, but all include huge challenges.
Some of the amazing titles of events taking place in August include:- Total Warrior, Tough Mann, The Adrenaline Rush, Gauntlet Games, Mudnifi cent 7, Brutal 10 and The Bear Grylls Survival Race.
I was personally astounded when I watched my friend John Harrison complete the ‘Tough Guy’ course in Wolverhampton a few years ago. This takes place annually at the end of January, in some of the coldest conditions. It originates back in1986 when the name was given to a cross country run where some obstacles had been added. The event now includes a massive 250 natural and man made obstacles which are designed to test participant’s fears of heights, tight spaces, fi re, water and electricity!
Another provider Tough Mudder, has run over 200 events, for more than two and a half million participants, in six countries since 2010. Globally themed, their obstacles include: - Everest 2.0, The Block Ness Monster, King of the Swingers, Pyramid Scheme, and Artic Enema 2.0. Typically 500,000 litres of A Grade mud are used in their events as well as 40 tons of ice.
Many people take part in this type of event just once, to prove that they can. Some raise money for charities and wear fancy dress. Others become addicted to the toughness of the activity, love the camaraderie and participate time and again. Safety is of course paramount. Some organisers provide free downloadable training programmes, whilst others run their own courses or work in partnership with gym brands.
If all this sounds a bit too ‘tough’, there are other gentler options to try such as Cancer Research UK’s Pretty Muddy ® events, or rough runner - an obstacle challenge route. These off er varying distances and are great fun. Have a look at
www.toughmudder.co.uk |
www.roughrunner.com |
www.raceforlife.cancerresearchuk. org/about-our-events/pretty-muddy to fi nd out more.
54 To advertise in thewire t. 07720 429 613 e. fi
ona@thewireweb.co.uk
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