Newry, Maine (July 5, 2011)-Last year, there was mud, blood and beer. This year, with nearly twice as many obstacles to maneuver through, racers partaking in Sunday River’s second annual Tough Mountain Challenge race can expect even more of a good thing.

Taking place Saturday, July 23, 2011, the Tough Mountain Challenge is an alpine foot race and obstacle course open to the first 1,000 competitors ages 18 and older who sign up. From crawling through mud to running through a battering ram of active snowguns , this five-kilometer race takes participants across the summer slopes of Sunday River while pinning against them 16 of the resort’s best natural and man-made obstacles along the way.

Last year, the course included 12 obstacles. This year, there are 16 obstacles -three of which have two or three surprise features stacked on top of one another for added effect.

Some of the new obstacles being added to this year’s course include the Hornets Nest-a B-Net thigh burner, Burning Man-an area where racers will run over fire, and Gravity Plunge-an obstacle that combines and slip ‘n slide with a man-made pond and a dirt pile exit, all while being soaked with a Boyne Low-Energy Fan Gun.

Registration for the Tough Mountain Challenge is $49 and available through ToughMountain.com . The event is open to racers ages 18 and older. Registration includes entry into the race, a Tough Mountain t-shirt and commemorative mug filled with a celebratory beverage of the competitor’s choice.

Also new this year, Sunday River invites little ones to take on a mini kid-friendly version of the adult course. Duly named the Mini Mountain Challenge, the race is designed for kids ages 4-12 years old and is completely free to participate in.

The Tough Mountain Challenge takes place out of the South Ridge base area and the schedule is as follows:

– 8am-12pm – Competitor check-in
– 10am – First wave of racers
– 12pm – Barbecue opens
– 12pm – Live entertainment by McAlister Drive
– 2pm – Last wave of racers
– 3pm – Mini Mountain Challenge
– 4pm – Awards

Lodging rates for the Tough Mountain Challenge start at $99 per night and can be reserved online , at www.sundayriver.com or by calling (800) 543-2754 .

For more information on Sunday River’s Tough Mountain Challenge including obstacle descriptions, a video from last year’s event and lodging, visit www.ToughMountain.com .

Sunday River is located minutes from picturesque Bethel Village in western Maine’s Mahoosuc Mountains. A true four-season destination, the Sunday River offers eight interconnected peaks of alpine adventure, two Grand Resort Hotels and golf at the acclaimed Sunday River Golf Club. Sunday River is a member of the Boyne Resorts family of resorts and attractions.