A TIGHT-KNIT team of Northwich gymgoers have aced one of the UK’s toughest – and filthiest – endurance races.

A team of 17 staff and clients from Northwich specialist gym and sports injury clinic, Namix Performance Centre, took on Manchester’s notorious Tough Mudder 2023 event, on Sunday, July 16.

The team were raising money for the Motor Neurone Disease Assocation (MNDA), in honour of fellow long-standing Namix member, Graeme Webb, who suffers with a form of the condition.

The intrepid athletes, including Graham’s partner Pete Harrison, took on 10 kilometres of mud and obstacles with names like 'the Mudderhorn', 'arctic enema', 'Everest', and 'electroshock therapy', all designed to push them to the limit, spurred on by Namix lead trainer, Tom Merrick.

Northwich Guardian: 'Arctic Enema' makes athletes submerge themselves in a pool-sized ice bath over and over again'Arctic Enema' makes athletes submerge themselves in a pool-sized ice bath over and over again (Image: Harley Aston)

An astonishing 16 members of ‘Team Namix’ completed the gruelling challenge, which Tom says was all down to first-class teamwork, raising a total of £1,200.

Tom said: “It was pretty tough, but there was a really strong team spirit. That was the nicest part.

“There’s no way you’d be able to get over some of those obstacles alone.

“It just wouldn’t have been achievable without a good group of people there to help you through.

“Graeme wasn’t able to attend the event as the site wasn’t really accessible enough for him to go in his wheelchair.

Northwich Guardian: Teamwork makes the dreamworkTeamwork makes the dreamwork (Image: Harley Aston)

“But we took videos on a GoPro, so he could watch it back.

“He’s over the moon with it all. He definitely enjoyed watching us do the obstacles, and he was pleased at how much money we raised for the MND association.

“We’ve done a few charity events before at the gym, but this is by far the most we’ve raised.

“It’s a cause nice and close to our hearts, with Graeme being one of our members. We’re glad we did him justice.”  

Northwich Guardian: Oliver Townend, Tom Merrick, and Jen Croall leading the wayOliver Townend, Tom Merrick, and Jen Croall leading the way (Image: Harley Aston)

Surprisingly, when ask to say what was the toughest obstacle, Tom didn’t say ‘Arctic Enema’.

“The worst obstacle was the Mudderhorn,” he said.

“It was really nerve-racking, and it had definitely been playing on my mind.

“It’s just so high.

“But once you’re over it, and people are supporting you, it’s actually alright.”