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 Photograph: Michael Regan/guardian.co.uk Running through fire is one part of the challenge Photograph: Simon Dawson/AP Photograph: Simon Dawson/guardian.co.uk A mouthful of muddy water is nothing for these competitors Photograph: Michael Regan/Getty Images Photograph: Michael Regan/guardian.co.uk This tough guy, dressed as a Spartan, gets into the spirit of things Photograph: Michael Regan/Getty Images Photograph: Michael Regan/guardian.co.uk 'Superman' looks dejected at the obstacle ahead. Yes, that's barbed wire Photograph: Michael Regan/Getty Images Photograph: Michael Regan/guardian.co.uk A spectator offers a competitor a drink as he takes a break. Maybe a coat would have been appreciated too Photograph: Simon Dawson/AP Photograph: Simon Dawson/guardian.co.uk You don't have to be male to be a Tough Guy, as this muddy competitor shows Photograph: Michael Regan/Getty Images Photograph: Michael Regan/guardian.co.uk Rope climbing is another obstacle on the journey to the title Photograph: Simon Dawson/AP Photograph: Simon Dawson/guardian.co.uk The pain's evident for this competitor Photograph: Simon Dawson/AP Photograph: Simon Dawson/guardian.co.uk But some almost look like they're having fun Photograph: Simon Dawson/AP Photograph: Simon Dawson/guardian.co.uk Others, less so Photograph: Michael Regan/Getty Images Photograph: Michael Regan/guardian.co.uk Hurdling fire? It's all in a day's work for a Tough Guy Photograph: Michael Regan/Getty Images Photograph: Michael Regan/guardian.co.uk And after fire, there's water - all sorts of elements in the challenge Photograph: Michael Regan/Getty Images Photograph: Michael Regan/guardian.co.uk But ice is an unexpected obstacle Photograph: Michael Regan/Getty Images Photograph: Michael Regan/guardian.co.uk 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 Photograph: Simon Dawson/guardian.co.uk