A. Giant. Ice. Bath. There's really not much else to say. Be ready to be fully submerged not once, but twice - in ice. This obstacle is all about testing your mental grit. There's no training that can prepare you for this. Still not clear? Re-read the name.
Grit
Teamwork
Strength
Fun
Grit
Teamwork
Strength
Fun
SLIDE OR DUNK
Depending on the course designers, you will either dunk yourself or be dunked to enter.
TONNES OF ICE
Over 20 tons of ice will keep you nice and cool.
THE SECOND BAFFLE
Once you emerge, you must again submerge. Nasty.
THE EXIT
After what feels like years you will wade your way up and out of the ice chest.
“It’s like the worst brain freeze you’ve ever had, but for your body.”
The inside word
Deep dive into the details of Arctic Enema.
How To Conquer
Focus and a clear mind. Making it through Arctic Enema is all about understanding that your body will feel shocked from the cold and focusing on your movements through the icy bath. There is no need to panic, once you re-surface from the first dunk, take a breath, plunge under the second baffle and keep your feet moving. You will be out the other side in no time.
Obstacle Training Tips
This obstacle is entirely mental, so it won’t matter how many chin-ups you can do or how far you can run. Everyone will react differently to the sub-zero temperature. While you cannot prepare physically, you can train your mind to stay clear and focused when under duress. Other than that, maybe throw a couple of ice-cubes in your next bath.
Obstacle FAQs
Q: How cold is it really?
A: Cold. Very, very cold.
A HISTORY: ARCTIC ENEMA
What started as a variety of ice-based obstacles slowly morphed into Arctic Enema (Hot Shots anyone?). At first, you just had to climb in and wade through the ice. However, as the year’s progressed those crazies in the obstacle innovation lab started to add more ways to ensure that you had to submerge your whole body as many times as possible. Now it really lives up to its name.
To defeat this mythical monster, the Block Ness Monster, you will need an army. No solo soldiers will be able to negotiate the 9-metre long cuboid that sits semi-submerged in chest-deep water. Together with your teammates and fellow Mudders, you will need to rock, roll, push and haul yourselves over the rotating blocks.
Grit
Teamwork
Strength
Fun
Grit
Teamwork
Strength
Fun
HUGE CUBOIDS
At over 9 metres long, it is these two huge wooden blocks that you will have to clamber over.
CHEST HIGH WATER
You’re going to get wet. Wading through the murky depths is not an option.
TEAMWORK IS ESSENTIAL
Giving each other a boost up and over while timing synchronized pushes and pulls is the only way through.
UP AND OVER
You can’t go under it, you can’t go round it. The only way is up.
“The most fun you can have out on course. The teamwork was incredible.”
The inside word
Deep dive into the details of the Block Ness Monster.
How To Conquer
The Block Ness Monster is all about teamwork. It requires strong communication between friends and strangers alike. A whole lot of people need to push one side up, while a lot more people push the other side down. Once it is moving a few people at a time can shimmy over the top as it rotates.
Obstacle Training Tips
Taking on the Block Ness Monster is more about communication and teamwork. Although, you will need to be able to pull yourself up and over the block. Having good upper body strength is certainly an advantage. While you will be required to push the block up and pull it down, the more people helping makes it easier. So just focus on being able to pull-up your body weight and you will be fine.
Obstacle FAQs
Q: Do you have to get wet?
A: Umm. Yes. Have you seen the pictures?
Q: Can I do it alone?
A: You can, however, you will never be on this obstacle alone.
Q: How heavy are the cuboids?
A: Technically speaking. Very heavy. The water and your fellow Mudders will help you.
A HISTORY: BLOCK NESS MONSTER
The Block Ness Monster is one of the best examples of crazy and unexpected our obstacle innovation process can be. Discovery and innovation continue to evolve throughout the whole innovation journey. Originally designed by one of Tough Mudder’s interns, the blocks were intended to have people run across it. During testing, as people kept falling in, they started to push and pull the blocks. The rest is history.
You'll be wishing you had four extra limbs when you face this web of tightropes suspended over a water pit. Grab on wherever you can and hold on tight as the movement of your fellow Mudders causes you to shake, rattle and roll.
The tallest obstacle to ever be erected on an obstacle course, Mudderhorn will take your breath away. Standing at almost 3 stories tall, our very own great ascent is sure to test your fear of heights. Clamber up one side towards the sun, admire the view and then try to not look down as you scramble down the other side.
Grit
Teamwork
Strength
Fun
Grit
Teamwork
Strength
Fun
LOOK UP, NOT DOWN
As you approach, take it all in. Woah, it’s big.
GET A BOOST
Get your teammates to give you an initial leg-up.
TOUGH AT THE TOP
Stay calm, swing your leg over and start the descent.
TAKE IT DOWN
That’s right. You will feel it.
“It’s so high and you can see right through it. Unlike any other obstacle I have ever tried.”
The inside word
Deep dive into the details of Mudderhorn.
How To Conquer
Stay calm and climb up like you’re on a really big ladder. Keep your eyes forward, your weight evenly distributed and a good steady pace on your ascent. When you reach the top, keep the same rhythm but now in reverse.
Obstacle Training Tips
While there is no real training for a fear of heights, there are few you can do to help you get over Mudderhorn. Key areas to help you out are leg strength and grip strength. You want to be comfortable holding your body weight and are well balanced at all times on the cargo net.
Obstacle FAQs
Q: What if you get stuck up there?
A: What goes up must come down. Eventually…
A HISTORY: MUDDERHORN
The Giant-A-Frame structure, first saw use at WTM 2016, creating an epic backdrop to the start line. Well received as it was, Mudderhorn’s size and complexity meant it wasn’t considered for wider use during the 2017 and 2018 seasons. 2019 saw a re-focus on the structure and Mudderhorn was finally scaled for Tough Mudder Classic and rolled out across the season to much delight among participants.
