So... You Think You're Tough Enough?

The mud and blood stained clothes of grunting, freezing competitors were the enduring images left in the minds of spectators after the 20th annual Tough Guy competition — a gruelling and legendary 8 mile multi-obstacle assault course and cross-country run. This year's race was named 'Viking Invasion' — inspired by the battling icons of this bygone era.

Against the scenic backdrop of the Staffordshire countryside, a few competitors arrived the evening before the event and spent the night in a barn, or camped in the surrounding fields. The gathering included a bonfire and a 'do-it-yourself' BBQ. Tales of past glories by tough guys & gals could be heard amongst the crackles of popping wood. The right to call yourself a 'Tough Guy' is bestowed upon only those who have completed the gruesome trial. Mere mortals are known as 'Wetnecks'.

By arriving early, one has the opportunity to view the 'killing fields' — the name affectionately given to the assault course section of the race. Is that a good idea? I leave that up to you.

The morning is alive with excitement and nervous energy. Last minute team talks and the scoffing of courage-building bacon sandwiches keep everyone's minds off the reality; that they are about to take part in what is considered to be the world's most difficult 'one day' assault course.

The race starts with a bang. Thousands of men and women charge down a 50 degree slope through settling purple smoke. This is the beginning of the 'Country Miles' — the cross-country run section. The route takes you past some of the obstacles that you will be facing before long. They ominously taunt you, as you stride past trying not to make eye contact. Once through the fields, past the geese and into the woods, you know that the next time you see the killing fields you will wish you had stayed at home.

This cross-country section is just the warm-up, but if you are not treading carefully, a tree can easily remove your face from the race. Ditches, low branches and brambles do their best to deter you. Just for good measure, a section named the 'Slalom' takes its toll on the firmest of leg muscles and Gluteus Maximus'. Up and down, up and down…we counted 10 short sharp hills to break the will. Viewed from the distance, the multitude of colours streaming through this section looked like a psychedelic dragon.

Towards the end of the 'Country Miles' those who are already wavering would soon be weeded out. Competitors find themselves leaping in and out of muddied pits of water whilst scrambling underneath cargo nets. Picture jumping from one bowl of soggy chocolate ice cream to another and you can begin to imagine what it feels like…now delete the sweet taste.

The main assault course is comprised of some 20 obstacles, the required attributes include: climbing, balancing, strength, flexibility, determination and above all, toughness. Names such as 'The Behemoth' and 'Fiery Holes', describe with unwavering accuracy just what has to be overcome to complete this event. The statistics for this year's race reflect the competition's appropriate title - out of over 6000 competitors who entered, only some 3200 actually finished the course - the freezing cold of the underwater tunnels and the 'Titanic Ice Death Plunge' being too much for many to bear. If a person became a victim of the conditions, the numerous members of St John's Ambulance were an ever present source of medical aid.

Behind the tough exterior lies a gentle philosophy of friendship and charity based on Christianity and Confucianism. The event was first conceived in 1987 to raise money for the farm and horse sanctuary where it is held. The Mr Mouse Farm for Unfortunates provides homeless people with jobs as well as a home for retired race horses. The owner Billy Wilson (aka Mr Mouse) is a firm believer in supporting small scale and local charitable causes as a means to cast aside materialism. In an interview he said: "People in England, they've got too much and one day they will get fed up with spending their money on nightclubs…they will come and do events like this."

The spiritual side of the organisation shines through in everything that is done. In the eyes of Mr Mouse, mental strength is to be admired just as much as physical ability.

Over the years the Tough Guy competition has attained mythical status, attracting people from all over the world to the 150 acre plot of rolling English countryside. The choice of theme (2006 being that of Winged Warriors Vs The Vikings) not only adds to the drama, but also leads to an awe inspiring spectacle.

Although aggressive in nature, Tough Guy seems to promote a sense of unity among its competitors. One runner from Surrey commented, "People were helping each other. Every obstacle where it even seemed like someone else would need help, there would be a hand there ready to pull you through, pull you up or push you up, or steady you if you were slipping."

Tough Guy leaves a lasting impression in the minds of both competitors and spectators of how great hardships can lead to great rewards. As the sun set over Staffordshire on Sunday January 29th , 3200 tough guys and gals returned home with the type of satisfaction that can only be won through the bitterest of efforts.