The World’s Toughest Mudder competition took place this past weekend at Raceway Park in Englishtown, NJ, and I was there to document it. The World’s Toughest Mudder is unlike any previous Tough Mudder event. Crucially, it’s actually a race, with entry open to the top 5% of finishers of a regular TM event. Participants started on Saturday morning and had 24 hours to complete as many course laps as they can. Yes, a 24-hour long Tough Mudder. In New Jersey. In late December. With abundant water obstacles. The first place male and female prize was $10,000. No awards for second place. About 1,000 people signed up. Thanks largely to temperatures that dipped into the mid 20s at night, only about 100 were still on the course the following morning.
Participants had access to a designated pit area near the start line. Each participant could set up a tent with food/clothes/supplies, as well as take a hot shower. After completing a lap, participants had to be quickly examined by medical staff to determine whether they should be allowed to continue.
Due to the low temperatures and water immersion, hypothermia was a real issue. In spite of the competitive element, I still saw many Mudders helping each other over obstacles that are best conquered by teamwork, especially the Everest quarter-pipe.
The male winner was Junyong Pak, who completed 7 laps. The female winner, Juliana Sproles, completed 6 laps. Both showed superhuman endurance and determination.
The slideshow below has many more shots from this unique event. Thanks for looking, and don’t forget to hit “Like”!
Leave a reply