Four laps at an amateur assault course won’t prepare you for the ruthless and elite obstacles at Europe’s most professional pursuit. Unlike other somewhat presumptuous fun courses, The Nuts Challenge is improved upon every year to bring you a challenge that will surely make you nuts. Whether you’re getting muddy for a stag or hen do, or testing out all of the world’s toughest obstacles, nothing can be as satisfying as finishing four laps on Surrey’s sought-after soil. Recommended for nutters, crazies and the elite.
I’ve worked here year on year and each time it is different, varied, challenging and a lot of fun. The genius behind the madness that takes over twice a year in Dorking is Wayne Monkmon, accompanied by long-attending and attested friends, colleagues and volunteers who create the atmosphere, excitement and keep a trained key eye on runners. The professionalism is then doubled with services in and around the area to provide help and support as quickly as possible. You can’t put a price on the overall experience, nostalgia and achievement you receive over the Nuts weekend. Every year, there’s another success, especially as you’ll hardly be running the same course in succession. Wayne improves upon the course and without doubt you’ll find grueling/fun (depends on how you approach it) additions.
The Lowdown
Each lap is 7km with a variety of obstacles along the way that are given more personal and affectionate names by the team looking after you on the day. From the Fireman’s Pole, Nutcracker and water slide, the obstacles differ greatly between the North and South side of the course. One thing that never falters is the morale and motivation injected by the regular marshals. The event is conducted by ex-army and those who have a true respect for the endurance pushed through on the day. Others make a return every year because of the challenge itself. After all, it’s a certainty that you need to be slightly nuts to take part in the UK’s Nuts Challenge.
The joviality in the atmosphere is tangible, literally with Ironman running amok last year, following on from various roles in previous years, which include a French maid and Milky Bar Kid.
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