Tough Mudder Midlands (Classic)

My third Tough Mudder & I still love it. The main thing to remember is Tough Mudder (Classic & 5k) are not a race. Its about teamwork & having a laugh. Doesn’t mater how long it takes to get round as long as you do and complete as many obstacles as you can.

From the moment you arrive you start to understand why Tough Mudder is the global phenomenon that it is. Oh, and why it costs as much as it does. Everything is so well organised. Parking is never a problem nor is the check-in. Loads of marshals on hand to help and happy to help too, which makes such a difference when nervous before a run.

The event village for Tough Mudder is a big one. Loads of options food wise and plenty to keep spectators & family’s entertained while your out on course.

Before you’re let loose on the course they give probably one of the best warm up/briefing we’ve had. Ok the warm up itself is the usual pointless shuffle in a crowded area but the man on the mike along with the pledge really gets the blood pumping. I love it.

The course is typical Tough Mudder. Massive obstacles you can’t complete on your own and mud….lots & lots of mud. This is where Tough Mudder wobbles a little. The obstacles obviously are designed so they are tough to complete on your own and need help to get over, but somehow it looses something and just becomes almost gimmicky. Don’t get me wrong, It’s great fun with a group of mates but doesn’t really get you excited like other events do. Also, with so many people on course and obstacles being slow due to teamwork needed, you queue. You queue a lot. A couple of extra lanes needed at each obstacle really.

The other issue is the mud. Tough Mudder mud smells like no other mud. There is a distinct unnatural not just mud smell if you get where I’m coming from. I have done a vast number of OCR’s and the only time I’m ever ill (funny tummy) is after a Tough Mudder. All three in fact. Can’t just be a coincidence.

Also when finished and head to toe in mud they hand you your finishers shirt & freebies. I am very grateful for all these and I know there is an issue regarding waste & plastic but please could you put them in a bag so they’re not covered in mud as soon as we get them.

One last thing is the shower station. Fantastic. Not sure if it is but always feels warm and plenty of them, so very easy to wash down before the drive home.

In all a great event if not always first on my yearly list.