Tough Guy
The Killing Fields
Rob Howard / 29.01.2006
As early arrivals at Tough Guy walked around the huge obstacle course for which the race is famed (known as ‘The Killing Fields’), there were worried and fearful looks on many faces. A lazy wind sliced through their clothing, the ground was frozen hard underfoot and the many water pools and obstacles were covered in ice. Stones were scattered on top where competitors had thrown them to see if the ice would break …For anyone new to Tough Guy the sheer size and fiendish intent of the obstacles and challenges, combined with the arctic weather, was reason to be worried, and even die-hard Tough Guys knew the cold water would be hard to cope with. It’s been a few years since the leaders served as ice-breakers for the rest.
As this year’s theme was ‘Winged Warriors v’s Vikings’ there were many horns, axes and shields among the fancy dress, which is all a part of the day’s experience. There were supermen, kilts and one German competitor in a pink tutu, a gruesome cross between a fairy and a Viking! As there was a large German contingent this year foreign entries were termed ‘wisitors’ and allowed to start first with the ‘Front Squad’.
Looking particularly smart were Andy, Ian and Mark, all dressed in double-breasted wool suits with collars and ties to match. The called themselves Team Volcano International Consulting Limited – but may have just made that up on the spot when asked! “It just seemed like a good idea to start out looking very smart and neat, and finish a mud covered wreck like everyone else,� said Andy.
As the collection area filled up with a large crowd one normally dressed competitor commented, “There are some very strange people here!� But then most people would think just taking part is very strange. Quite how many take part is a mystery as all numbers in Tough Guy are generally made up. That’s why no one is sure how long the course is.
The Front Squad, who had secured an early entry or paid to be there, lined up alongside the start canon provided by ‘Team Raiders of the Lost Fart’. (In the summer events they take the canon round with them but now it was just used for the start.) Then at 11.00 flares were let off and with a Viking roar the race was underway with a mad dash downhill to the first bend, the leaders keen to get ahead before any hold-ups developed. Then further waves of starters came over the hill and Ghoons, Wobblemuckers, Dickheads and finally the ‘Late Buggers’ set off. See All Event Posts
