Haley LeDuc
Staff Writer

Cal High teachers are tough, but several plan to prove just how tough they can be by participating in the world’s hardest obstacle course.

This event, known as “Tough Mudder,” is an 11-mile long obstacle course meant to put every part of a person’s being to the test. It consists of hill climbs, trenches of thick mud, icy water swims, and tunnels that require careful maneuvering.

This course, designed by the British Special Forces, has a few special surprises that cement its place as the toughest course on the planet, including a run through four foot high flames, a field of live wires carrying up to 10,000 volts, buttered monkey bars, and a suspenseful mystery obstacle.

The designers of the course ensure that getting to the finish line is a victory in itself.

“It’s easier than people think,” said history teacher and team participant Chris Doherty.

To prepare for the event, “Tough Mudder” provides a training regiment and offers boot camps for participants in New York and New Jersey.

Many participants are of an average fitness and ultimately do well.

“They’ll need to start training soon,” said junior Josh Strey. “They should go to the gym and lift weights, go on hikes with heavy packs, and run.”

The Cal team, named the Swedish Fish, consists of Doherty and psychology teacher Brandon Quick. They have signed up to tackle the course on Sept. 29 Others, including teachers Cary Willson and Paul Fortayon, are interested but have not officially joined the team.

“Mr. Doherty introduced the concept of the event, and we both knocked around the idea of a Cal High oriented team,” said Quick.

The event itself is open to anyone 18 or older who wishes to participate and registers on time. Teams are encouraged, as the designers hope, to create a camaraderie between participants.

“Yeah I think they will benefit from doing it,” said freshman Simi Hingano. “It will build friendships and relationships.”

Registration costs $125 and a portion of all proceeds is sent to the “Wounded Warrior Project,” a non-profit organization whose goal is to provide services to wounded service members during the transition from active duty to civilian life.

Services include combat stress recovery programs, adaptive sports programs, benefits counseling and employment aid. Tough Mudder has raised more than $2.5 million for the charity to date.

“I think that is so very cool,” said teacher Cindy Bonagura. “I think that if you are a high school teacher you have to have some fun things to do outside of work.”

Even though there are many fear inducing obstacles, the hosts themselves seem to have a light heart about the event, awarding teams with costume prizes, holding a “best mohawk” contest, and hosting a post-party for those that run the course.

“I think it will be good because they’ll have fun with it,” said senior Jess Snow, one of Quick’s current students.