HARDY competitors will brave electric shocks, ice and fire when Tough Mudder returns to Cholmondeley Castle this October.

Tough Mudder, a 10 to 12 mile run with 20 to 25 military-style obstacles designed by British Special Forces, is back on October 5 and 6 with double the mud and double the obstacles.

More than 7,500 people braved the elements at last year’s event after Tough Mudder arrived in the UK having swept America and Australia.

Founded by Englishmen Will Dean and Guy Livingstone, Tough Mudder has had a combined total of 700,000 entrants since its launch in May 2010.

Spokeswoman Elaine Jones said: “Unlike any marathon or mud run, Tough Mudder is not a race, but a challenge – a challenge to test mental toughness and physical endurance whilst emphasising teamwork and camaraderie. A number of the course’s gruelling obstacles can't be completed solo, and all participants are required to recite the Tough Mudder pledge before starting each event.

“To get through mud, fire, ice water and 10,000 volts of electricity, you’ll need teammates to pick you up when morale is low. To get over 12-foot walls and through underground mud tunnels, you’ll need teammates to give you a boost and a push.”

Tough Mudder was founded in America in 2010 with three events and since has gone on to establish itself in Canada, Australia, the UK and Germany with 53 events scheduled in 2013.

This year sees six UK events, climaxing with the North West event in October.

All Tough Mudders who think they are tough enough to meet the challenge can register now at: www.toughmudder.co.uk/events .