Trent students, faculty, staff and alumni teamed up to conquer crawling through mud pits, climbing over hay bales and scrambling through seven kilometres of other unique obstacles as a way to de-stress during a hectic time of year at the third annual Trent Mudder held on March 28.

The Trent Mudder is an obstacle course run on campus inspired by popular grueling race, Tough Mudder. Although it may not have felt like a spring day, the day’s sunshine brought the race their best turnout yet with over 500 people turning up to participate.

“The support from Trent University’s staff and students is one of the main reasons we’re able to run an event like this,” said Jeremy Power, Trent Mudder coordinator and fourth year student. “This year we had over 80 volunteers, without them we wouldn’t have been able to run the event. It makes me proud to have been a part of planning it. ”  

Participants in the event were invited to register teams of three to six people and were offered the choice between registering competitively or non-competitively. Competitive participants were pushed to the limit to complete every obstacle and the winning team was presented with a trophy. The Pretty Pony Parade, a team of rowers, took home the winning trophy this year.

All teams arrived in style with different costumes and bright outfits, but team Obi Number Wan was awarded best dressed. Everybody who participated went home with a victory t-shirt, and after a little fun, race organizers hope that participants also left with less stress in preparation for their final projects and exams.

“About a dollar from each registration fee and any donation made at the events BBQ is donated to Trent Varsity Athletics,” said Mr. Power. “This year’s event has helped us contribute almost $600 to the Athletics department. We hope to grow that donation year over year.”

For more information about the event or to see more photos from Trent Mudder, check out the events Facebook page.

Posted on Thursday, April 2, 2015.