3 minute read
World's Toughest Mudder is one of the most epic events out there and one of the biggest challenges in Obstacle Course Racing. The concept is simple - competitors race around a 5 mile course for 24 hours, taking on a whole host of Tough Mudder's signature obstacles (plus some surprises) and attempt to complete as many laps as possible within the time limit.
For 2018 the event was taking place at a new venue just outside of Atlanta, Georgia - which added in some unique challenges of it's own. Torrential rain the day before the event meant there was mud - a lot of mud!
Come Saturday morning the rain had stopped and in it's place were clear blue skies, PLUS some bitterly cold temperatures - a lot of runners started the race wearing full wetsuits. Come nightfall the temperature dropped below freezing, the ground froze over plus a whole range of obstacles had to be closed because of the extreme icy conditions.
The racers battled on, showing off the trademark Tough Mudder community spirit - teaming up to tackle obstacles, cheering each other on and lending a helping hand wherever it was needed.
dryrobe proved itself time and time again over the weekend - the pit area was filled with crews keeping racers warm and ready to keep on tackling that course. Come the morning we heard the same story over and over "I wouldn't have got through the night without my dryrobe"
Sunday morning saw racers pushing on towards the 24 hour mark and the top elites battling it out for the podium spots. 2017 womens winner Rea Kolbl repeated the feat this year - smashing 75 miles to reclaim her crown.
Over in the mens race - one of the closest finishes in WTM history unfolded - with Trevor Cichosz and Kris Mendoza both on track to hit 100 miles, it all came down to the final lap and the final mile of the course.
Making up a gap of over 8 minutes, Kris smashed his final lap - after 23 hours of racing - to pass Trevor with only a mile to go - before cruising to the finish line and conquering 100 miles in the process.
The team race saw some familiar faces on top of the podium - with dryrobe ambassador Evan Perperis and team mate Wesley Kerr absolutely smash it and take the win.
Over in the team relay, it was Team Lindsay's Angels (Lindsay Webster, Ryan Atkins, Ryan Woods and Bryan Gowiski claiming the top spot in style.
Massive congratulations to every single person who took on the course - what an epic weekend!
