Have you ever watched an episode of Iron Chef and gotten the feeling that the challenger is in way over their head? You know, it comes about 25 minutes into the show when the Iron Chef whips up something you can’t pronounce while the challenger struggles to put together some decent mac ‘n’ cheese. Well, we got that same feeling this past weekend in Vermont when Tough Mudder proved all over again that they are the Goliath of adventure challenges.
Set on Mount Snow in West Dover, VT, Tough Mudder took advantage of their surroundings to create a grueling course that doled out bruises, cramps and cuts like they were girl scout cookies. Composed of 10 miles of steep ascents, descents and the best obstacles around, TM New England was by far the most challenging adventure event we’ve covered to date. That even includes their 12 mile Tri-State event in Englishtown, NJ. Why so difficult? Well for starters, Mudders (what TM calls participants) ran themselves ragged by following a course that took them up and down the mountain more times than we could count. In fact, for the first half of the course we found ourselves yearning for a few obstacles if only to give our calves and quads a break from unrelenting climbs. Even though some would have preferred more evenly paced obstacles, this setup allowed for crowds of Mudders to dissipate, resulting in shorter lines at obstacles and aid stations.
Those that managed the first few miles of hills were promptly rewarded with over 20 obstacles ranging from their now famous Electroshock Therapy (FYI – it doesn’t get any less nerve-wracking the second time around) to the Funky Monkey bars (still haven’t made it across!). Returning obstacles came with unique and beefed up variations but, of course, the TM engineers had a few tricks up their sleeves to keep things fresh for veteran Mudders. The mystery obstacle of the day consisted of a crawl through a vat of maple syrup followed by a climb up and over wood chips. Another stellar newcomer, Glacier, found participants relying on each other to ascend a 15-foot tall icey mountain and then scrambling down a turbulent backside.
Boa Constrictor made a return appearance...albeit with a little bit of a "twist".
Of course, none of these obstacles would be half as enjoyable if it wasn’t for the atmosphere that surrounds Tough Mudder. Costumes, face paint, and teams of friends were abound to set the tone and we witnessed plenty of “no man gets left behind” moments on the course. We were also witness to one of the most memorable race moments we’ve seen to date. See, the start line is actually a short ways up the mountain and waves of Mudders go off every 20 minutes after a few safety announcements and the National Anthem. And coincidentally, mile 3 of the course has participants pass directly behind this start line. So imagine the feelings of patriotism that welled up inside of us when we turned the corner to find not just the Mudders-to-be standing still in complete silence for the National Anthem, but also the hundreds that were in the process of ripping down the steep slopes. Quite an awe-inspiring and pride inducing sight to say the least.
Glacier is new to the party, and loves to snack on frost-bitten fingers and toes.
Other significant contributions to the atmosphere actually came from the town of West Dover itself. We arrived the night before, and stayed at the Matterhorn Inn (which we highly recommend….great beers and great service), and everywhere we went we were greeted with “Good luck!” and high fives from locals. Neighborhood businesses posted signs welcoming “Tough Mudders” and bars even gave out free t-shirts to anyone running. Even the local shuttle bus system, The MOOver (which has stops all along the main road to the mountain), was running extra buses to accommodate the crowd. Speaking of crowds, rumor has it that this event was the largest one-day athletic competition in Vermont’s history. Not too shabby!
With all of these things going for it, it’s easy to see why Tough Mudder has gathered such a loyal following. It’s an incredible challenge, a feel good event, and strong reminder of what a well run endurance event can do for participants as well as the community that hosts it.
Course: A The course was stellar and the most challenging TM we’ve covered to date. Early hills hit hard and led to smaller crowds at later obstacles while the second half threw a barrage of challenges at participants that can’t be found anywhere else.
Organization: A+ Everything you might be concerned with was well attended to. Parking, packet pickup, bag drop and body marking were all a breeze. Aid stations, onsite showers and changing areas were organized and not overcrowded.
Atmosphere: A+ Countless memorable moments, rad displays of patriotism and Mudder camaraderie every step of the way. That, plus a solid after party including keg tosses and beer…what more could you ask for??
Logistics: A- It’s Vermont, so you’ll be driving. And you also won’t be able to find big brand hotels like Holiday Inn or Super 8, but that’s okay because it will give you a chance to soak in the support from the town by staying at local inns and lodges. Special thanks to Joe, James & company at the Matterhorn for making our stay extra comfortable…and for letting us take a much needed soak in their outdoor hot tub!
Overall: A Tri-State is still our fav (that course gets the nod thanks to its motocross venue), but make no mistake, Tough Mudder put together another fantastic event. And with the momentum they’ve built you’ll be hearing from a lot of people about how much of a blast these events are, and not just from those participating. After all, Tough Mudder didn’t just take over a few ski slopes in Vermont this past weekend, it took over an entire town…and maybe even a state.
-Adrian
Comments
I am proud that it was my CrossFit CenterMass gym that lead the mudders to pause and pay respect to “Old Glory”
There were about 30 of us leading the 9 AM Heat and we stopped as the National Anthem played at the corner of the starting line…. What a great feeling it was!
This event was INSANE! I did it on Sunday and I can barely walk today but it was worth it. According to one fellow mudder, we did about 7,000 feet of climbing overall. Not to mention obstacles. Good job to everyone who finished this past weekend!
Awesome event. I am still having trouble going up and down stairs. This was one of the toughest things I’ve done. Next time I’ll train more.
I loved this event so much this past Sunday. The views were also spectacular from the top if you weren’t too tired to look out! TM did an awesome job and I immediately decided to sign up for the Tri-State in Nov. Can’t wait to see what that one is like! Everyone thinks I’m insane, especially since I showed up for BootCamp Monday morning. WOW what a great challenge and such a well run event!
I did the PA TM which was also up and down a ski slope, and those first two miles try to kill you, but VT sounds like it was a steeper hill so big props to all mudders who ran. I can not wait for next year.
CHeers
This was the most gruelling event ever, it totally pushed you mentally and physically!! I can see many more TM in my future!! Kudo’s to my sweat sisters for pushing me through this event!! Blood, Sweat and Mudd!!!
Amazing event….first Tough Mudder for me….so well planned and executed. Course was challenging, but so much fun! Quads are still hurtin! I thought I was in shape!!! Thanks to those behind the event…can’t wait till next time!
At 51 I’ve done my fair share of crazy stuff. Tough Mudder V.T. Was the most insane thing yet. The mountain itself was the biggest obstacle. Every participant who finished should be extremely satisfied, proud, and sore. And not a single one of us could have done this course without the help of other Mudders..thank you to all of you who helped me…especially those Berlin Walls.
I agree with the above posters: a totally insane workout and the locals were fabulous. The bruises and scrapes were the subject of many curious comments today at work. Will definitely do another.
Watched my 2 kids and their team complete this course. Totally impressed with everyone who participated. SO PROUD of my offspring!!!! It was a great day.
hahaha who are you lately?
Amazing event! Still washing mud out of ears. See you all next year!
I did both and TRUST ME Bear Creek Pa was a lot tougher. These were easy, gradual inclines and the trails were a breeze in VT.
Three weeks before this event I threw my back out and was unable to walk at all for several days and then hobbled around for another week. I was worried about competing given my recent injury, but I decided to suck it up and give it a good old college try. Glad I did!!! It was the hardest thing I have ever done physically, but it was amazing. I felt so alive! Absolutely amazing!! I will be doing another TM competition. Pretty sure I’m addicted. Thanks to all my fellow TM’s for encouraging me to take small steps up those steep hills:-) Looking forward to seeing you all again!!
What a great event! Here’s a tip for anyone having trouble with the Monkey Bars (Adrian). Do them backwards. You can keep your momentum moving the right direction that way. I am not exactly a pullup machine but I cruised through the monkey bars with no problem by going backward. If anyone else decides to try it, let me know how it works for you.
You guys are a class act. I saw that display of patriotism, I was in the 10:20am heat so I was waiting and watching. Very respectable.
What bootcamp allows you to be on the internet after a few days?
I did it on sunday….This was Awesome!!! LETS DO IT AGIAN.
I thought the staff at the Vermont Mudder were extremely rude and un-cooperative. I still don’t understand why, if two of our team members were injured and unavailable to compete, couldn’t be replaced by two other co-workers. I made the two and a half hour ride to Vermont, only to be told I couldn’t compete. Tough Mudder took the money for 16, yet only let 14 compete. I witnessed a line of people with the same issue. One gentleman pleaded his case, was denied with no reasonable explanation, and as he walked away, the blonde at the counter, who said she was “in charge” smirked and laughed to a co-worker behind his back. If Tough Mudder is taking our money for 16 to compete, let 16 compete. And if there is a policy in place, Tough Mudder should explain this policy ahead of time. And with an explanation that makes sense. Not, “oh we just don’t allow that”. Said from the blonde “in charge”.
Joe, this is in no way a defense of rude behavior, but I can comment that many races do not permit participant substitutions. If they did, you’d soon see entries for popular events being sold on Craigslist or other similar outlets. For this reason, many large races (NYC Marathon, Ironman Triathlons, to name a few) do not allow this practice but rather allow racers to defer their entry until the following year.
Thanks for the reply Adrian. I totally understand what you’re saying, but, wouldn’t you agree that Tough Mudder should display somewhere on their website a message pertaining to this situation? And before you ask, we did call ahead a month earlier asking for permission to switch participants and was never given a clear answer. This event looked amazing and after speaking with my co-workers, it appears I missed out on a once in a life time experience. So “deferring our entry” to next year, probably isn’t an option. Adrian, if you competed and finished, hat’s off to you. An amazing feet indeed.
I agree that it should be mentioned somewhere if it isn’t already (perhaps upon registration, in the terms we have to accept). But if I’m being completely honest, I haven’t noticed those terms in any of other races as I’m usually just clicking through as quickly as possible. And don’t be too bummed, there will be plenty of other races and challenges!
It’s right in the FAQ on their website:
If I sign up but can’t participate, can I give my ticket to someone else?
No. Tough Mudder tickets are non-transferable and non-refundable. The person who signs up must be the same one who participates.
It was also very clear in the other registration info, as well. This is pretty standard language in every race I’ve ever entered. Particularly given that this event changes prices depending on how early you register.
Dude, there was nothing easy or gradual about the inclines at Mt. Snow. I am not sure where you ran, but it was not the same mountain that I did.
And it looks like “Big Orange Halo” thinks the “leave a reply” form is, in fact, a “send to friend” form.
Congratulations to all Mudders, and especially my son who successfully completed the tough challenge. Enjoyed watching the proceedings and wished I was young enough and in the same shape to participate myself.
Everyone should be proud of themselves. Love’d it! -GC
P.S. Go Vermont!
This was the most challenging thing I’ve ever done and I will certainly do it again. The climbs were tough but they were exactly what i had been training for so it wasn’t so bad. The slick descents were by far more difficult so much easier to fall when you’re already headed down. I enjoyed tree hugger and Berlin walls most of all. The worst part was the unending cold, we never did warm up, the only thing to do was keep running!
@ Joe Smo, TMHQ here, thank you for your candid feedback. We take our Mudders’ opinions seriously and are constantly trying to improve upon every aspect of our event, including customer service on-site and online. We appreciate the great write-up from Travlete and will certainly incorporate your constructive criticism when planning our future events.
I have to say i did this one as well and thought it was a lot tougher. Being a crossfitter myself i still had the feeling of i want my time- i want the end all hardest competition. I will continue to do Mudders but i am switching to the Civilian Military Combine it looks like. I think its the next level i am looking for. Great work all around though
I know this one sounds good, but I just did the Beaver Creek, CO Tough Mudder. Holy, holy crap!
They initially had it knocked down a little to eight then only nine miles due to the crazy altitude being up in the Rockies with a starting and finishing line at over 8000 feet.
Well, they lied. The race turned out to be a solid 10.5 miles with the altitude and cold water kicking the crap out of us. It was the most fun I have had in a long time and I got cut, bruised and exhausted.
I cannot say how much fun this turned out to be.
I cannot wait to do it again.
The kind of BootCamp that takes place everyday…in gyms all across the country. No one calls military basic training “Boot Camp” anymore…at least not in the Army….