Lehigh Valley Running Scene » Tough Mudder: A Race Like No Other

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Tough Mudder: A Race Like No Other

3 May 2010 4,545 views 4 Comments

There was excitement in the air early Sunday morning at Bear Creek Resort in Macungie, PA. Nobody knew what to expect, all we knew about Tough Mudder was what we’ve read on their website or Facebook page. The energy was palpable, athletes were ready for the day’s events. At least they thought they were. I heard reports of a variety of training methods. One man and his friends had recently completed a 9 mile trail run carrying logs. I came across three men from outside Washington, D.C. who had taken up running only two months ago, one of them had never even run outside on the roads or trails, but on a cardio trainer at the gym instead – this was their very first “running” event. I wondered how they would survive this adventure, surely they would need to rely on each other to make it through this day in one piece. I kept thinking to myself, “These people are insane,” and chuckling the entire time.

Outfits ranged from your more normal shorts and tech shirts to the outrageous which incuded bikinis, thongs, kilts, a Spiderman outfit, characters straight out of the film Avatar and various other costumes of certain amusement. License plates indicated that people had traveled from New Jersey, New York, Delaware, Virginia, Connecticut and elsewhere. Today was history in the making.

There would be 9 waves of runners, each taking off in 15 minute intervals, who would complete the course. Oh! The gruelling course! Each wave started off with a Tough Mudder Pledge and fireworks as they bolted down the mountain in true Braveheart fashion for the first Tough Mudder Challenge, the Braveheart Charge. Down the mountain and literally back up for Challenge #2, the Death March. Coming off a 16 mile run myself that morning, all I could do was watch in awe, happy that it was not me forging the mountain. That did not last long.

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4 Comments »

Laurie Reinhart said:

Jill, I didn’t see you! I did Tough Mudder; was on Spiderman’s team, actually. Great reviews all around! I think they did an incredible job handling all those people. The lines at the obstaclse were tolerable except the last one, which they eventually shutdown because as the tarp wore-out, people were getting hurt. The spirit of the athletes was awesome. That’s what made the event so much fun. I would highly recommend doing a Tough Mudder event but especially doing it as a team and sticking together. We had a blast. I have pictures on my FB page.

# 4 May 2010 at 6:54 am

Donn Shires said:

Had a great time taking pictures at the Tough Mudder. Hope I caught you all muddy.

# 4 May 2010 at 9:41 am

Ryan said:

I think I saw you taking pictures by the mud pit. It was a good race but I don’t think it was as tough as they made it out to be. Maybe my training was just too good, haha. Besides some of the logistical transport issues, good times and a great party at the end. I’m interested to see how much they made for Wounded Warriors. Thanks for the pics and video!

# 4 May 2010 at 11:24 am

May Doucette said:

This was an amazing day!!! I was cheering my ex-husband (Robert Doucette) on as he ran this “Tough” race!!! He is the guy in the video above with the bib # 906- with the black shirt and gray shorts! Everyone did so well and this was so much fun. I am doing it next year and planning to do the Down and Dirty in July. Great job Mudders!!!

# 4 May 2010 at 10:19 pm