Team Ivan

Tough Guy 2010

We're back again for the ultimate challenge at Tough Guy 2010 — described as one of the world's toughest one-day endurance events, it will take place on Sunday 31st January 2010. The course is a tough six(ish) mile cross country run, with hills and a few obstacles, followed by a trip round the notorious Killing Fields.

Before frightening you with a description of the Killing Fields, you need to bear in mind that completing Tough Guy is as much about mental strength as it is about physical fitness. Sure, you need to be reasonably fit to get round, but being determined to finish at all costs is more important. About 5000 people start the event each year and depending on the weather conditions less than 80% finish. Most people drop out suffering from hypothermia or other effects of prolonged exposure to freezing water and mud. Or just because they bottle it...

The Killing Fields is the obstacle course from hell, designed by a madman. Most people have at least one physical danger that really freaks them out, and the chances are that you will encounter yours in the Killing Fields. And that's one of the great joys of taking part — admit you're scared, but you can conquer the heights, freezing mud, electric fences, barbed wire, freezing mud, water jumps, tightrope walks (into the water when you drop off), freezing mud, fire, underground pipes. And did I mention the freezing mud that will cover you from head to toe by the time you've finished?

Make no mistake, if you do drop off one of the obstacles then you will hurt yourself. Crawling through mud and stones will graze exposed skin on your arms or legs. The water is very cold indeed and there are several points where you will dip your head below the surface. When you do that you come up with an almighty headache — like an ice-cream headache that lasts for a minute or so.

The Tough Guy web site has more details of all the obstacles in the Killing Fields, although you've got to do it to really understand what it's like!