In 2010, just 200 individuals paid for the privilege to compete in Sunday River’s inaugural obstacle-course race.

Today’s third annual Tough Mountain Challenge has a full field — 2,500 competitors who plunked down $79 to test themselves against the grueling 5K mud and challenge course.

And while registration had to be cut off more than a week before the event, there will be plenty of room for spectators, who can revel in the pain of others without having to pay a cent.

The mud run features a simulated snow-gun-fueled hurricane section, a giant lily pad pond, a trench of terror, fabled Native American curse and, oh yes, the beer station.

The 16-obstacle, 3.1-mile race, created and designed by Sunday River staff, begins at the South Ridge Base at 10 a.m. and runs throughout the morning and early afternoon as heats of 100 compete. The winner will be crowned around 3 p.m.

But Sunday River spokeswoman Darcy Morse said the event is as much for the jocularity as the jocks.

“If spectators want to walk the course, there is plenty for them to see. The first obstacle you reach is ‘Snow and Steady’ where we’ve dug this huge pool and run snow pipes the length of it. We filled the ditch with water and the racers have to balance their way across it, or fall in the water and get muddy,” Morse said.

And it is not the only water-filled ditch on the course.

A newly dug ditch requires racers to duck under rails and pipes while wading through a pool with water that is up to their hips, shoulders or even higher.

“You might have to hold your breath. Or you might not. It depends. At certain times in the day the water will be lower than others,” Morse said.

A favorite Sunday River obstacle of Morse’s is the giant lily pad pond in front of Barker Lodge. There, spectators can watch racers attempt to hop from one giant pad to the next in an effort to reach the other side.

The “lily pads” are made from the foam used in docks. And each of the 12 pieces floating in the pond can hold up to 5,000 pounds. But staying on them might not be so easy.

“You’re not just trying to get across; you have to stay on while people getting on with you are making it rock,” Morse said.

Finally, spectators who venture into the middle of the course can see the other side of the grueling race: the water and beer station, where racers can refuel or just stop and relax.

“There certainly are athletes who are competing to win, but there are those coming in costume who will stay the day and listen to good music. The Tough Mountain is meant to be fun whether you’re competing or watching,” Morse said. 

Staff Writer Deirdre Fleming can be contacted at 791-6452 or at:

dfleming@pressherald.com

Twitter: Flemingpph