- Drumlanrig Castle in Dumfries and Galloway hosts again following the success of last year
- Over 7,000 people are set to descend on the estate this weekend to compete in the cross-country course
A TEN-MILE course filled with obstacles of varying difficulty may seem like torture to some. To others, however, it is heaven.
Tough Mudder makes its return to Scotland this weekend at Drumlanrig Castle in Dumfries and Galloway, where around 7,000 men, women and children will take part in a challenge interspersed with woodland, climbing challenges, pools of water and, of course, the unpredictable Scottish weather.
Not only that, upon completion of the participant’s chosen course, those over the age of 18 receive a drink courtesy of Brewdog, while other rehydration drinks and snacks are also available within the Tough Mudder Village.
While one aspect is the unique challenge, another is the sheer fun of it, with many ‘Mudders’ heading to Drumlanrig Castle this weekend raising money for charity.
Whilst Tough Mudder is officially affiliated with MacMillan Cancer Support, Alzheimer’s UK, Mind and Cancer Research UK, numerous other charities will gain exposure and funding from friends, family and colleagues running this weekend.
One such charity is Versus Arthritis, whose programme and partnership manager for Scotland, Jake Sanders, is taking part.
As the name suggests, participants will get down and dirty this weekend
With a range of obstacles on course, however, there may not be a need for a shower at the end
No stranger to a challenge, Jake has experienced trouble through his own battles with dyspraxia and neurofibromatosis type 1 growing up and is now ready to dive back into Tough Mudder, raise awareness for his chosen charity and, of course, raise as much cash as possible.
‘Growing up, fitness was always a struggle for me,’ he says. ‘I had to take lessons to walk in a straight line, use a knife and fork, those type of things.
‘In my mid-20s, I became a personal trainer, working with children and people with long-term health conditions — muscle and skeletal conditions — to help them get the same support that I got, so they could get past the barriers that they face in life.
‘From there I got my job with Versus Arthritis, helping to support the ten million people in the UK with arthritis.
‘I used to run races but stopped around five years ago. But this year I decided to take the plunge and run Tough Mudder again.
‘I know lots of people probably say it, but I genuinely love my job. I love being able to help our service users. I’m lucky with the role that I’ve got that I can directly support people and deliver services to them.
‘We can help them make long-term changes to their life. So that’s what makes me want to raise funds for something so close to my heart.’
Of course, it is not just as simple as turning up on the day, checking in and starting your event. Tough Mudder sets up a whole experience for entrants, with an athletes village where participants and spectators can soak up the atmosphere and spend time settling any last-minute nerves before crossing the start line.
Many aspects of competitors’ physical fitness will be put to the test
The terrain will an an extra element to the challenge for participants
Not only that, the organisers welcome campers for those who wish to truly take in the experience, with the latest arrivals being allowed on site at 9pm on the Friday night, while they are welcome to remain until 10am on Sunday morning.
It’s not just as simple as running an endurance obstacle course for your chosen distance, however. Last year, Drumlanrig Castle was the venue with the highest altitude of all Tough Mudders in the UK. Furthermore, there are two electrified obstacles on the course, so there is an element of risk for those taking part. Of course, those with heart conditions and/or metal in their body are advised to avoid these.
For many, as well, it will be their first experience of Tough Mudder. One such runner is Lewis Robertson from North Lanarkshire.
Raising awareness and funds for Enable Scotland, a charity which helps people with disabilities lead as normal a life as possible, the 27-year-old said: ‘I like to raise money and I started volunteering for Enable Glasgow in 2017 during university, so it’s a charity that’s close to my heart.
‘Working for Enable was sort of an accident due to finding out about the charity when I had to find work during placement.
‘I enjoy working for them as it allows me to use the consultancy skills I gained while doing my Masters.
‘I fully believe that anyone with a disability has the right to work and an education despite their barriers. I also run a unique programme called Breaking Barriers, which is in partnership with Strathclyde University, Scottish Power and Dayforce. It helps students with barriers to education to attend a world-class business school and gain applied work experience with some of Scotland’s largest employers.’
Ahead of the event, Tough Mudder managing director Matthew Brooke said: ‘I am thrilled to announce the return of Tough Mudder Scotland to the breathtaking Drumlanrig Castle.
‘This year’s event promises to be a celebration of resilience and adventure, inviting Scots from every corner to join us in proving that together, we can conquer any challenge.’