Race: Twin Cities Toughest Mudder
Runner: Jim Delorie
Race Date: 07/08/2023
Location: Hugo, Minnesota
Results: 12th place over all Male
Strava Activity Link: https://www.strava.com/activities/9418363325/overview
3 Bests – What aspects of the race did you like the most?
The over night format was unique and made for the the event to be challenging. The opening of obstacles as the night went along so you had to plan when to push to miss an opening window to save time or when you know it was coming so you slowed down to clean hands and prep for an obstacle. I also enjoyed the 10k lap format so you are not required to carry 12 hours of gear and fuel.
Not so much – Aspects of the race that didn’t do it for you
Having to get to the venue 3 hours early to claim a pit location was new for me and had I not had others to support it would have been a real challenge, but I am not sure this can be avoided.
Weird factor – What’s the weirdest thing about this race?
You are choosing to run all night, crawl in mud, jump in ice water and get shocked. Many think this is weird but it is mostly fun!
Highlights of your race – What did you do well and enjoy about your race in particular?
I was able to meet so many new people and set up my PIT with new friends who helped me achieve my goals through out the race. They got me through pitting after each lap and as veterans of this race type where happy to share and give advice. I also got to spend time running laps with each of them that was outstanding! Highlight of the race.
Lessons for others – Share your pro-tips on the race to help the next runner
If you are going for a 12 hour Obstacle Race, ask all the questions everyone wants to help and better to know and not need something than be unprepared. This is very true for when it gets cold and you are might be entering water obstacles.
The only other lesson would be to be more dialed in with fueling practice. I am not sure why but my fuel did not settle even though I use it on training runs. The last 3 laps I took not fuel or water as m stomach was not right.
Lessons you learned that will help you next time around
I need to purchase more specific gear (dry suit top and knee pads) and I did not need to change my socks or shoes but still thinking having them was the right choice.
Most important course specific knowledge to know about the race
I think knowing when obstacles opened through out the night was key. On my 4th lap we had 7 minutes to get past two hard obstacles before they opened so a friend (Hannah Carta 2nd place female) and I pushed the last half mile to avoid them an get in to pit before having to do them the next lap. We cleared the last obstacle Electric Shock Therapy by about 1 minute.
Aesthetics – Is it a pretty course?
Sunset and Sunrise where beautiful but mostly it was dark.
Difficulty – Is it a tough course?
First Tough Mudder event and longest race ever so I am not sure. I think it was hard but not more than expected.
Organized and well run – Did it feel like a well-oiled machine or were they flying by the seat of their pants?
It was extremely well organized, staff and volunteers through out the course, easy in and out for registration. I was impressed.
Competition – Is there a strong field?
I believe it was a strong field with many Toughest Mudder Veterans and even many Worlds Toughest Mudder competitors. I completed 7 laps of the course the winner completed 10!
Logistics – Does it require a special handshake, registration a year in advance, hotels all booked? Give us the low down on the nuts and bolts of making the race happen.
It was simple to register online, but needing a variety of gear, fuel, and water needed to over pack and check a bag at the airport so a a direct flight to not risk losing a bag was a must for me. Arriving the night before was great but waiting all day Saturday for an 8:00 pm race start was long.
Aid Stations – Standard fare or anything special to know about the aid stations in terms of what’s available or when?
Since you had your own pit every 10K these where not here.
Weather and typical race conditions
The temps dipping in to the low 50s with a full submersion obstacle Artic Enema water filled ice opening at 1:00 am until the finish time of 8:00 am was certainly cold. You had to commit and get in an out quick.
Gear – Did you need anything special or is there anything you’d recommend for the next runner?
Gear list I used was, Houdini Windbreaker (ruined), Knee pads, Wet suit Top to stay warm when wet, REI Gators to keep shoes from filling with rocks, and then your fueling device of choice. I used a front loaded vest but when you crawl in the mud the tops got covered. I did not care but some might, with it being a 10k loop a think a belt might work. Also a few headlamps as they are required or you can not start another lap, also a blinking light on the back of your head lamp was required.
Spectators – Is this a friendly course for your friends?
A few of the pit crew where able to follow a marked course to see use cross different obstacles in like 5 locations, it felt like I saw them all the time. Just make sure you have a crew willing to stay up all night.
How’s the Swag?
Got a cool race bib that you where required to wear, Medal for finishing 20k, Shirt, and patch for hitting 70K! I was very happy with the swag… oh and my first ever tough Mudder headband.
The Overall Score – How many stars do you give this race and do you recommend that others run it?
I would give them full marks, there was nothing that they could have done differently that would have improved my experience it was fun from start to finish.