Tough Guy Nettle Warrior
Celts in Kilts
Usual Suspect Gary Vallance (Photos John McFall) / 02.08.2006
For many veterans of the winter ordeal, Tough Guy’s summer sibling can be likened to a family picnic: an opportunity to get together with old friends, wear your best togs, and dive through walls of flame into ditches of black filth. Okay, maybe not quite, but 2006’s continued warm spell undoubtedly contributed to making the Nettle Warrior a thoroughly social affair.As in previous years, the Usual Suspects contingent camped onsite the night before, making the most of the occasion, and keeping things relaxed pre-race on the Sunday. Having spent much of the day travelling in the glorious morning sunshine, “The Farm� didn’t disappoint, ten degrees cooler than the surrounding countryside, and wearing its own clouds.
The Recky
Once amassed, we took the opportunity to walk the Killing Fields, delighting in the terror displayed by our event rookies as they faced the legendary Behemoth, Tiger and Paradise Climb obstacles. Old timers amongst us noted the work done since our last visit eighteen months ago, with evidence throughout the course of extra lanes to alleviate bottlenecks.
Our walkabout also revealed a distinct lack of water. The hot weather had obviously played its part, with even the ubiquitous underwater tunnel sitting proud of the surface.
After dinner conversation finally abated as the evening’s rain won out and we retreated under canvass. It was clear from the hushed revelry that other teams were deciding to make their tough guy experience a little tougher as they continued into the night.
Sunday dawned and racers emerged from damp tents to early morning sun. Breakfast taken care of, our thoughts turned to admin and we began to set ourselves up for the day. Towels into the “hanging nail cavern� for post race showers, dry clothes into team stables, and “Death Warrants� processed in exchange for race numbers branded on our foreheads, we returned to our tents to don the team strip.See All Event Posts
