Over 16,000 people took part in The Great Northern Mud Run at Bramham Park in Leeds last weekend. As the pinnacle of obstacle racing it provides one of the most challenging OCR courses in the UK providing the perfect platform for Ultra Warrior – participants complete as many laps as they can during a 5 hour period out on their 12km course.
The 200+ Ultra Warriors taking part on Sunday powered through at least two laps of the 12km course.
This year’s top Ultra Warriors are:
- Amelia Monaghan 3.5 laps in the 5 hours (female)
- Russell Foord who completed 4.5 laps in the 5 hours (male)
As winners both Amelia and Russell get an automatic place in the OCR World Championships taking place in Mammoth Lakes, California, USA from the 5th to 9th October. They also receive a free place for next year’s Ultra Warrior challenge.
Anyone who manages 5 laps in the 5 hours gets free entry for life, though no one has quite managed that yet! Russel was VERY close this year.
We asked our very own ‘Roving Runner’ Jim Painter on his thoughts about the 12k event.
How did you enjoy the 12k challenge?
I really enjoyed the 12k Total Warrior. There were plenty of short sharp sections of running split up by the 26 obstacles. The running terrain was easy going, the obstacles are tough though some were more straightforward than others. Easily achievable if you put a bit of training in.
What were your high points?
My favourite obstacle which isn’t really an obstacle but it was a high point was the 100ft slide. It took me back to my childhood but without being told off for getting wet or muddy. Also the human barbecue and jumping over fire into a mud pit was great fun.
There was so much fantastic camaraderie on the course from the other runners and the marshals/safety staff.
And what were the hardest parts of the course?
The hardest parts of the course were the walls and monkey bars. That is down to my not training my upper body as much as my legs, running is my main exercise.
Any recommendations to other ultra runners thinking of doing it next time?
It is something different for ultra runners to undertake. Now I find ultra runs fun, but this is a different kind of fun, it’s like you’re allowed to be a bit childish again and can have a proper belly laugh. The 12km was a challenge and next time I would like to take on the Ultra Warrior event.
It would be a great event to do in a big group of friends.
It’s a good fun event, friendly atmosphere and well organised. I would highly recommend Total Warrior. I definitely slept well that night and have ached since but in a good way!
This year’s event hosted over 10,000 spectators who joined in with the festival atmosphere, cheering on the participants and enjoying the onsite food, drink and live music. They also raised more than £60,000 for partner charities.
Next year’s event will be held on Sat 22nd to Sun 23rd June 2024, visit the Total Warrior website here to book.