Greater Manchester Tough tribe triumphs in Stockport

More than 500 runners and obstacle race enthusiasts– some from far away as Brighton – took part in the first-ever Greater Manchester Tough Tribe event.  

Five hundred and seventy athletes packed Stockport Sports Village (SSV) to capacity for ‘Tough Tribe’, a mixed terrain obstacle race with 5K and 10K versions, for individuals and teams (‘tribes’).

All abilities, from elite athletes to beginners – aged 16 and over – braved the race on Sunday. The course, designed to challenge everyone, was run over open ground, woodland and rivers, and featured a wide range of natural and manmade obstacles.  Among them was a brand new ‘Tough Tribe’ obstacle, the chicken dipper, which involved diving into paint powder, then gunge, flour and feathers for a colourful, messy finish.

Athletes line up at the Greater Manchester Tough Tribe

Race director Andy Brooks said:

“The day couldn’t have gone any better, thanks to the spirit of the participants and our amazing team of volunteers. Tough Tribe team, Zeus boys and Life Leisure staff were unbelievable. All the blood, sweat and tears paid off in making this inaugural event amazing. I would like to give a special thank you to everyone for taking part and for their fantastic feedback.”

The Greater Manchester Tough Tribe event (and brand), is set to be an annual fixture in Stockport, was the brainchild of charitable trust and not-for-profit social enterprise Life Leisure. Tough Tribe  race directors Andy Brooks and Michaela Pennington brought the project from initial concept through to fruition. 

First man past the post was Russell Parrington from Team Ensure, with Darren Leather and Dave Seviour, both of Team Zeus, second and third. First woman over the final wall and across the line was Dominique Searle from the Mudstacle Machines, with Michelle Kehoe (Solo Mudders) second and Claire Jones third. Special mention for Vince James, captain of Team Wrongen, who was not placed, but travelled all the way from Brighton to test himself against the industry’s newest event.

Number one woman Dominique Searle said:

“It was muddy mayhem! I may have taken a few slips on to my backside, but it was great fun. This was a brilliant first race for Tough Tribe; it was sold out today and I don’t doubt it will be sold out next year too.”

Team Zeus Manager, Mark Noble added:

“It was an absolutely fantastic race,  the best event this year and one to look out for in the future.”

The event attracted a huge number of team entries from companies and recognised fitness brands. Benchmark Gym (Blackburn) entered a 56-strong team, while Project Solar UK fielded 30 runners. Team Legally Mud raised money for the Candlelight Trust; a Leeds based charity that helps children with cancer and their families. Team Zeus owner Mark Noble was instrumental in building the brand new obstacles for the event, as well as supporting the course build and maintenance.

Lead sponsor was Core Health & Fitness, with further support from Media Publishing & Design, Binary Box and Dawn Creative.

Follow @ToughTribeOCR for more photos from the event. See a film of it here.

The first wave of runners set off

Athletes dive into the chicken dipper

Blackburn team line up for a pre-event briefing

First and second women winners Dominique Searle and Michelle Kehoe (L-R) immersed in the chicken dipper

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