One Tough Mudder

  • Published
  • By Capt. Ashley Conner
  • 477th Fighter Group Public Affairs
JOINT BASE ELMENDORF RICHARDSON, Alaska --  Capt. Chris Castaneda, a Reservist with the 477th Fighter Group, along with two friends formed a 3-man team to compete in the Tri-State Tough Mudder competition Nov. 21.

The Tri-State Tough Mudder is a 12 mile course comprised of 19 military-style obstacles laid out over a muddy motocross track in Englishtown, NJ. The race, which is held in cities throughout the U.S., is touted by its organizers as "the toughest one day event on the planet".

"It's different than other extreme competitions that are focused on individual success," said Captain Castaneda. "This competition emphasizes team work -- encouraging competitors to help other teams complete the obstacles."

On the day of the competition, following the National Anthem, Tough Mudder competitors recite the Tough Mudder pledge -- to understand that Tough Mudder is not a race but a challenge, to put teamwork and camaraderie before course time, to help fellow Mudders complete the course, to overcome all fears and no whining.

During the two-day event nearly 14,000 competitors conquered events like the cliffhanger, funky monkey, vipers fangs, spider web, mud mile and fire walker before finally reaching the finish line.

According to Captain Castaneda the most physically challenging and rewarding obstacle was the cliffhanger.

"(The Cliffhanger) was the largest and steepest of hills on the motocross course," he said. "We would scramble up the hill but slip back down a mere four feet from the top despite digging in with our hands and feet. My team figured out the best way to get up was to create a human chain. We were then able to help dozens of other teams get over the hill with this method. It was physically challenging, but the most rewarding because everyone rallied together."

Captain Castaneda said his team finished around two hours. Although most competitors were just happy to finish, it is expected during each race that 10% won't.

"We saw at least three ambulances taking people out," he said. "Once we finished, we were given a T-shirt, a headband and a bottle of soap. Then we were all corralled toward the large fire hose where we tried to wash off the all the mud that was caked on us."

The concept for the Tough Mudder competition belonged to Harvard Business student Will Dean, who wanted to give extreme athletes a challenge unlike any other.

"(The race) was cold and muddy but we had a blast," he said. "I enjoyed the physical challenge but the camaraderie and donations being made to the Wounded Warrior Fund made it worth doing again."

In 2010 the Tough Mudders have donated over $600,000 to the Wounded Warrior Project, which raises awareness of the unique needs of severely injured service men and women. Captain Castaneda will be competing in the next Tough Mudder competition in Austin, Texas Jan. 29.