Competitors of every stripe descended upon Bear Creek Mountain Resort today for the "Tough Mudder" competition.

The muddy and fiery obstacle course isn't your typical fitness challenge.

At the end of the day, it's about reaching your goals and helping others.

There's pain, blood and a lot of hard work happening at Bear Creek in Longswamp Township, Berks County.

"Agony. I pulled my groin as soon as we started," said one participant. "I had to suck it up and keep going."

"Obstacle after obstacle," said Talia Schwartz, after she finished the race. "Hands and knees, getting scrapes everywhere. I mean it's brutal.

It's the second time Tough Mudder has been held in Macungie and each participant has their reason for testing the limits in this military style obstacle course.

"We workout all the time as a group," said Tom Kanard, who is participating with friends. "So we thought this would be a great challenge, and it is."

There's 14 obstacles at the Tough Mudder event, but it's not timed, it's more about helping your fellow man. People helping each other to accomplish their goals and obstacles.

Something that the Tough Mudder event does for the Wounded Warrior Project.

"It's a fun thing to run a business regardless, but to run a business that also does good really is something that makes you feel good about yourself," said Tough Mudder CEO Will Dean.

"We wanted to donate for the wounded warrior project," said one participant. "Our buddy has been over there for a couple of months and we figured we could do it this way."

Everyone crossing the finish line say it's worth all the pain.

"I feel great. I feel accomplished for doing that," said Schwartz. "One of the toughest things I've ever done physically."

Even people watching say they are inspired to compete and lend a helping hand.

"People are looking for events that aren't just about individual achievement, or how far can I run in a straight line," said Dean, "I feel in the last 12 months that we've proven this."

For more information on the Tough Mudder click here.