Ben Shephard has left his co-stars and fans in awe as he recounted what he’s dubbed the ‘most ridiculous thing’ he’s ever done. The presenter from This Morning shared with his followers that he had participated in the World’s Toughest Mudder.
While some might be aware of the Tough Mudder challenge and its 10-to-12-mile obstacle courses, the World’s Toughest Mudder is a different beast altogether. Lasting a gruelling 24 hours, it challenges participants with continuous 5-mile loops filled with “packed with brutal climbs, unforgiving terrain, and a constantly evolving gauntlet of new obstacles, reimagined classics, and cruel surprises”.
This year, at the age of 50, Ben took on this challenge with his sons, Sam and Jack, and shared their intense experience in a recent Instagram post.
Alongside photos and videos of them in action during the muddy endeavour, Ben wrote: “So it was 24 hours of mud, sweat, blister, exhaustion and zero sleep (for me! ) but more than anything, this was about connection”.
He went on to say: “Taking on World’s Toughest Mudder with my boys Sam and Jack, and my godson Ben, was one of the most brutal attritional quite frankly ridiculous things I’ve ever done, but without doubt one of the most rewarding.
“We lifted each other (sometimes literally), laughed through the pain, and leaned on the energy of everyone around us, friends, strangers, and the amazing @toughmuddereurope crew who were phenomenal.”
He added: “Fit at 50 isn’t about how fast you are or how strong you feel. It’s about showing up. It’s about holding yourself accountable. Saying yes to things that scare you. And doing it all with the people you love.
“If you’re thinking about setting yourself a challenge… do it. And remember: you don’t have to do it alone.”
The comment section of the post was soon flooded with Ben’s friends, colleagues, and fans who went on to praise the presenter on his achievement.
Susanna Reid from Good Morning Britain was quick to offer her praise, commenting: “Utterly brilliant – incredible challenge for the family to do altogether – wonderful unforgettable experience.”
GMB’s weather presenter Alex Beresford chimed in with: “You and the boys smashed it.” Meanwhile, This Morning’s health expert Dr Zoe Williams remarked: “What a thing to do as a family.”
TV host Matt Baker gave his kudos, saying: “Total Respect my friend, well muddy done,” and broadcaster Jenni Falconer observed: “This just looks ridiculously hard.”
The public response was overwhelmingly positive too. One of his followers exclaimed: “Absolutely amazing! Well done to you all.”
Another praised: “Well done Ben. Amazing achievement. Keep it going.”
And a third said: “Well done to you and your boys, making wonderful muddy memories.”