Tough Guy challenge 2010

A competitor takes a break for a drink as he takes part in the Tough Guy 2010 event
Photograph: Michael Regan/Getty Images

Running through fire is one part of the challenge
Photograph: Simon Dawson/AP

A mouthful of muddy water is nothing for these competitors
Photograph: Michael Regan/Getty Images

This tough guy, dressed as a Spartan, gets into the spirit of things
Photograph: Michael Regan/Getty Images

'Superman' looks dejected at the obstacle ahead. Yes, that's barbed wire
Photograph: Michael Regan/Getty Images

A spectator offers a competitor a drink as he takes a break. Maybe a coat would have been appreciated too
Photograph: Simon Dawson/AP

You don't have to be male to be a Tough Guy, as this muddy competitor shows
Photograph: Michael Regan/Getty Images

Rope climbing is another obstacle on the journey to the title
Photograph: Simon Dawson/AP

The pain's evident for this competitor
Photograph: Simon Dawson/AP

But some almost look like they're having fun
Photograph: Simon Dawson/AP

Others, less so
Photograph: Michael Regan/Getty Images

Hurdling fire? It's all in a day's work for a Tough Guy
Photograph: Michael Regan/Getty Images

And after fire, there's water - all sorts of elements in the challenge
Photograph: Michael Regan/Getty Images

But ice is an unexpected obstacle
Photograph: Michael Regan/Getty Images

The TV programme Total Wipeout, which has similar levels of mud, is filmed in Argentina. In the summer. These competitors look like they wish they'd taken that option instead of the Tough Guy challenge, but we applaud them
Photograph: Simon Dawson/AP