Whether you’ve done one Tough Mudder or 100, after your first event you’re officially a part of a community that’s bound by mud. Breaking through barriers, rising to new challenges, and experiencing adrenaline rushes like never before are just a few of the reasons that these Mudders dared to defy the boundaires of their comfort zones on the course. Learn more about what makes these guys some of the baddest of the badasses and be on the lookout for them in 2016 to lend a helping hand.
Mudder: Cory Drumright
Age: 39
Origin: Las Vegas, Nevada
Legionnaire Status: 14 Tough Mudders
Instagram & Twitter: @corydrumright
The orange headband is not just some medal to me, its value is far greater. Everyone who wears that headband believes in me, stands shoulder-to-shoulder with me, is willing to win with me, as I am willing to win with them. When I say Tough Mudder has helped me climb walls and break through barriers, I mean more than just physical ones, and at times of challenge, I remember the fears I’ve overcome and the people on the course who held out their hands to me. I firmly believe that I have a duty to share this gift that brings me immeasurable joy and pride: knowing I was that encouraging voice or guiding hand to help another Mudder experience a triumph that will change their life forever. To me, Tough Mudder isn’t about running a race; it’s about changing lives one step, one obstacle, one mud puddle, one headband at a time.
Mudder: Keith Allen
Age: 34
Origin Event: Frederick, MD
Legionnaire Status: 7x Tough Mudder, 2x World’s Toughest Mudder
Instagram: ChetSaber
On the path along the way to the “Allen Compound,” travelers will gaze upon an 8 foot wall, 20 foot rope climb, peg wall and muddy tracks leading to the Rhappahannock river. Had you taken this path prior to 2012 the space would be bare. Tough Mudder has provided an incredible avenue for me to set new and exciting goals, meet new people, develop new friendships and share time training with friends and family. This has developed into a lifestyle for my family as it’s a great way to stay in shape together. I look forward to continuing my Mudder journey and introducing as many folks as possible to something that has become a positive part of my life.
Mudder: Adam Drake
Age: 39
Origin: Ponte Verde, Florida
Legionnaire Status: 3 and counting
Instagram: @adam_drake
Twitter: @AdamMKE
Completing my first Tough Mudder in 2012 was a personal victory lap. A year prior, I was 30+ pounds overweight and generally in poor health. I felt terrible physically and mentally. I decided enough was enough and I starting eating healthy and working out. I did multiple rounds of P90X and then began running regularly. I knocked out a few 5Ks, even eclipsing PRs from high school 20 years earlier. But I wanted more. Sure, 5Ks were fun, but then I heard about Tough Mudder. I gathered a group of friends and we accomplished the course together. Fast forward to today and I’m looking forward to my 4th Mudder in Florida in 2016.
Mudder: Joseph Rankin
Age: 26
Origin: Aughton, West Lancashire, UK
Legionnaire Status: 1
Instagram: @joerankin89
Twitter: @joe_rankin_
I’m a twenty something desk jockey from the North West of England who loves a good laugh and pushing myself. I have always been outgoing and like to keep myself fit, active and in the best condition I can be. Tough Mudder was something else though. The constant ride of adrenaline, banter and camaraderie experienced with my mates and complete strangers (no such thing, we are all mudders!) made it a constant laugh and total enjoyment every step (crawl) of the way. The 12 miles of my first tough mudder event culminated by getting knocked to the floor by the electro shock and then again to rocket me across the finish line in fits of laughter where I looked up from the floor to have a headband fixed to my head and the most deserved and refreshing pint I’ve ever had placed in my hand. One of the most exhilarating and rewarding experiences that I cannot wait to repeat again and again.
