Unlike traditional races, The Tough Mudder emphasizes camaraderie over competition and encourages those racing to work together to overcome obstacles while finishing a gruelling and muddy five, 10 or 15 kilometres run.

Tough Mudder first debuted in the UK in 2011, since then it has taken the country by storm and hosted a number of races in various locations annually.

Thousands of participants now seek the challenge every year.

For those that don’t know, Tough Mudder is a test of physical and mental endurance, that combines obstacles, camaraderie, and endurance. Tough Mudder is an event that captivates thousands of adventurous participants every year. And is a must-try for thrill-seekers in the UK.

Grace Cook, a participant, said: “I loved every moment, I met so many like-minded people. Some of these obstacles, especially the ‘Everest’ you can’t get through without a helping hand.”

The obstacles…

The climax of every Tough Mudder event is ‘The Everest’, a 13-foot wall is the last thing somebody who has just run 10km riddled with obstacles. The strategy tends to be having people hanging from the top of the wall grabbing the limbs people can throw up to them.

Another obstacle that is in every one of the runs is the ‘Electroshock Therapy’.

Sounds scary doesn’t it! This is a part of the run where there are hanging tendrils of electricity. The Vaults vary but some deliver a shock of 10,000 vaults.

Miles Jacobs, 27, an avid tough Mudder, said: “Sometimes I need a little more motivation to do the exercise I need. And having a goal or event to work towards, like Tough Mudder really keeps me motivated.

Tough Mudder can be experienced in multiple distances, 5km, 10km, and 15km.

Each distance also has a different number of obstacles, the 5km has 13, the 10km has 20, and the 15km has 30! However, after completing all distance runners are rewarded with a headband. These events spice up what would be an everyday run by sprinkling outlandish obstacles along the way.

Bring your friends…

What’s even more special, is if a friend of yours fancies themselves as a bit of a G.I. Joe or Jane, you can go as a group.

Now, Tough Mudder hosts more extreme challenges such as The World’s Toughest Mudder – a 24-hour extreme contest where contestants make as many laps of a 5-mile course within 24 hours as humanly possible.

Miles Jacobs said: “I have managed to do the 15km before, but the event can be whatever you make it. I find training for this takes me away from my work and aids with my work-life balance.

“The event can be whatever you want to make of it. you can really push yourself and dedicate training and hard work, or you can sign up with a friend or partner on a whim and just have fun with it.”