The term "Tough Mudder" isn't a very well-known term in New England, but in just one month's time, after the first Saturday in May, the words will be haunting many locals' dreams.
It's difficult to describe exactly what Tough Mudder is without having attempted it … yet. On paper, it's explained as an event founded by Englishman and Harvard alum Will Dean. This traveling freak show of an event goes from region to region to test the spirit, mind, body and camaraderie of the locals. It can be classified as many things, but by no means is it a race.
If it's not a race, then why was Tough Mudder created? I'll let the organizers answer that one for you:
"Fact — Marathon running is simply boring. And the only thing more boring than doing a marathon is watching a marathon. Road-running may give you a healthy set of lungs, but will leave you with as much upper body strength as Keira Knightley. At Tough Mudder, we want to test your all-around mettle, not just your ability to run in a straight line, on your own, for hours on end, getting bored out of your mind."
The organizers even put a pledge together, which all competitors recite at the start of each race:
As a Tough Mudder I pledge that:
- I understand that Tough Mudder is not a race but a challenge.
- I put teamwork and camaraderie before my course time.
- I do not whine – kids whine.
- I help my fellow Mudders complete the course.
- I overcome all fears.
Check out this video clip from the most-recent Tough Mudder in Philadelphia:
Tough Mudder New England will unleash hell at Mt. Snow in West Dover, Vt., for events on May 7 and May 8. The course spans 10 miles and includes a plethora of obstacles such as "The Tree Hugger," "The Tower Hurdle," "Walk the Plank," "Glacier" and something fun called "Kiss of Mud."
This challenge wasn't put together by a couple of elementary school gym teachers. Tough Mudder went to the British Special Air Service (SAS) for advice on how to test the mettle of the courageous civilians who attempt the course.
There are 11 North American sites booked between early March to early December, including stops in Arizona, Texas, Colorado and Georgia. In 2012, the tour will hop the pond and head to Europe, Asia, and Australia.
Will I see you at the starting line? NESN will be sending a crew to get a first-person view of what it's like to compete in the crazy event. Be on the lookout for the big blue ticket, as well as yours truly, as I'll be going off at 11:20 a.m. with a group known as Boston Mudders.
