Approximately 21,000 participants descended upon Jaindl Farms in Schnecksville, Heidelberg Township recently to challenge themselves in the Tough Mudder.

Designed by British Special Forces, Tough Mudder is a unique 10 to 12 mile obstacle course challenge. With a trail run over rugged terrain featuring more than 20 military style obstacles, the event is the ultimate test of both physical and mental strength, grit, stamina, teamwork and camaraderie.

Considered "Probably the Toughest Event on the Planet," Tough Mudder is the largest supporter of the Wounded Warrior Project raising to date more than $5 million. Wounded Warrior Project's mission is to honor, empower and assist wounded veterans who have served to protect our freedom, while also raising awareness of the needs of service members.

Groups of participants lined up at the start line throughout the day on both event days beginning with music, advice and cheering from pumped up emcee Sean Corvelle. After lots of hoorahs, participants took the Tough Mudder Pledge and the challenge began among cheers from spectators lining the course.

With little shade and sweltering heat of temperatures in the 90s; Tough Mudder participants endured an even more grueling challenge as they made their way through mud, fire, water and ice with obstacles such as "Fire Walker," a run through 4-foot-high flames; "Electroshock Therapy" and the "Electric Eel" with 10,000 volt live dangling wires, "Funky Monkey," greased monkey bars and icy water called "Arctic Enema." Emergency personnel were on hand during the event, busy treating injuries, along with dehydration and heat related illnesses due to the intense temperatures through the day.

The innovative hard core course inspires participants to persevere with the analogy that "being a 'mudder' is all about taking on the obstacles in your life and the enormous sense of accomplishment that you feel when you overcome them."

About 78 percent of participants finish the course with 80 percent participating as part of a team. It takes an average of 3.5 hours to complete the course; however, the event is not about time but about taking on obstacles and the enormous sense of accomplishment with the goal of completing the challenge regardless of how long it takes.

If you think you have what it takes to be a Tough Mudder or want more information on the event, visit www.toughmudder.com for upcoming events.