Tough Guy 2012: mud, sweat and tears – in pictures Freezing temperatures, towering flames, acres of mud and a few thousand exhausted competitors in fancy dress. It can only be the Tough Guy Challenge 2012 Tweet Tough Guy 2012 was a challenge of truly biblical proportions Photograph: Jon Super/AP We give it three minutes before the bunny ears are trampled in the mud and the fishnets are in tatters Photograph: Jon Super/AP One of the obstacles is a wall of flames. This competitor seems devilishly suited to the task Photograph: Michael Regan/Getty Images Should have left the wig at home ... Photograph: Michael Regan/Getty Images Some competitors are tougher than others ... Photograph: Darren Staples/Reuters Maybe it's better to pretend you're swimming in chocolate milk rather than muddy water? Photograph: Michael Regan/Getty Images A cargo net crossing Photograph: Jon Super/AP We hope those suits weren't on hire ... Photograph: Darren Staples/Reuters Just chillin' Photograph: Alex Morton/Action Images Looks like his clothes were burned in the flames Photograph: Jon Super/AP "I'm safe and warm and sitting in my favourite armchair" Photograph: Alex Morton/Action Images The event literally incorporates blood, sweat and tears Photograph: Darren Staples/Reuters Not everyone makes it to the end of the race Photograph: Michael Regan/Getty Images It's all over and this woman is still smiling - despite looking like she fell face first into a crusty cowpat Photograph: Darren Staples/Reuters