Bolton St Catherine's Academy teacher's 100th Tough Mudder

And this month he completed his 100th Tough Mudder this weekend at Heaton Park.

One of Britain’s fastest growing sports is Obstacle Course Racing, known as OCR with Tough Mudder being one of the most popular,

And for some the challenge is a one off undertaken to raise money for charity but for Christopher Hill, primary phase deputy headteacher at Bolton St Catherine's Academy, it is a weekly addiction.

The Tough Mudder format involves running eight to 12 miles at each event and battling upwards of 25 obstacles designed to challenge participants to face their fear of heights, confined spaces, ice cold water, falling and of course the electricity shock. 

Along with his teammates, the Team Squid Hats, named after their iconic bright orange squid hat, he took on the course together supporting each other on the obstacles. They formed a guard of honour to congratulate Christopher over the finish line.

Christopher completed his 100th Tough Mudder with wife Kate presenting him with his coveted metal headband (Image: Epic Action Imagery)

Before he could cross that finish line for the hundredth time and be crowned with the coveted metal headband, Christopher had to scale a two-story rigging net, known as Mudder Horn, then pass through dangling exposed electrical wires hanging over a pool of ankle-deep conductive water called electroshock therapy. 

Nevertheless, he crossed the line and was awarded the crown by his supportive wife Kate Hill who placed the crown on his head which was followed by cheers from all around. 

Christopher said: “I did my first Tough Mudder weighing 21 stone and it was a real challenge, but as a Tough Mudder you make a pledge at the start line, to put teamwork and camaraderie before your course time, and that’s what I’ve always done.

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“With the support of the team and the complete strangers you meet on course, who become great friends thereafter, everyone is tougher together and gets each other through.

“It’s been a great incentive for my physical health and creating lifelong bonds through with new people supports your mental health too. The power of the mud shouldn’t be underestimated.

“As a team we have supported so many people over my 100 runs and will continue to do so.

“I’m proud to have been recognised by Tough Mudder for my commitment and support given to others on the course and am able to offer anyone wanting to do their first Tough Mudder a discount.  

The Team Squid Hats (Image: Epic Action Imagery)

“The code TMBA2023-Christopher will give 15 per cent reduction. When was the last time you did something for the first time? It’s an unconventional, life-changing experience that will challenge you to step outside of your comfort zone.

“I already can’t wait for the next event at Yorkshire in two weeks.”

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Christopher's wife, Kate, also a teacher said: “To get to 100 Tough Mudders is no mean feat, Chris has travelled the world, completing five Europe’s Toughest Mudders, an overnight race of 12 hours, World’s Toughest Mudder, Alabama in November 2023 running for 24 hours as well as competing around Europe taking on Tough Mudder in Malta, Germany and Ireland.”

If you have a story or something you would like to highlight in the community, please email me at chloe.wilson@newsquest.co.uk or DM me on Twitter @chloewjourno.