True Grit – A mum’s perspective on grit, mud, and determination

Standing on the sidelines at The Middle of Everywhere’s inaugural True Grit event in Glenmaggie, I could feel my heart racing almost as fast as my son’s.

The early Saturday morning atmosphere was electric as competitors battled through one of the toughest challenges imaginable, a military-inspired obstacle course designed to test mental resolve, physical strength, and, above all, ‘true grit.’

As a mum, watching my son Lachie navigate the 5km course was both exhilarating and emotional. True Grit isn’t just an event; it’s a rollercoaster of mud, sweat, and triumph.

From the moment we arrived, it was clear this wasn’t your average weekend activity. After winding down a remote country road, we crested the final hill to see a bustling scene below - cars parked in a paddock that looked more like the MCG on game day, families and friends cheering, and a hive of activity as participants prepped for the challenge ahead.

What made it more special was knowing this incredible event had come to our little corner of Gippsland, all thanks to The Middle of Everywhere with investment from Wellington Shire Council. As a local business owner, as well as mum, seeing our picturesque countryside buzzing with excitement with visitors from across the country was truly a proud moment.

For Lachie, my son, True Grit in The Middle of Everywhere was a test of endurance and determination. The course was packed with challenges - crawling through tunnels, scaling walls, lugging a 30kg sandbag uphill, and splashing through muddy water. All this in blistering 31-degree heat. The obstacles were relentless, but so was he.

For Lachie, True Grit wasn’t just about overcoming obstacles, it was about doing it together with his good mates Ben and Luke.  As part of a team, he experienced the camaraderie and motivation that only comes from tackling challenges side by side with friends. Whether it was hauling one another over walls, navigating tricky tunnels, or cheering each other on through the mud, the team spirit made every moment more rewarding.

“It’s so much better doing an event like this with friends,” Lachie shared. “We pushed each other to keep going, and it felt amazing to celebrate every obstacle we conquered together.”

As a spectator, I was amazed at how close we could get to the action. While we couldn’t follow the full course due to its sprawling design, we found the perfect vantage point near the finish line. There, I watched Lachie tackle the final four obstacles. His focus was unwavering as he climbed, swung, and lunged toward the finish. Seeing him cross that line, caked in mud but glowing with pride, was one of the most heartwarming moments I’ve experienced.

Lachie wasn’t just participating, he was thriving. His grin, even as he was drenched and exhausted, said it all - this was a challenge worth taking on. By the end of the day, he was already planning for next year, vowing to push himself even further by tackling the 10km course.

For me, the event was equally unforgettable. It was surreal to have such a world-class event in our backyard, here in Gippsland’s own Glenmaggie. Thanks to The Middle of Everywhere, our little piece of countryside became a hub of activity, showcasing the natural beauty and hospitality that make our region so special.

With more than 1,400 participants, including interstate visitors from WA, SA, NSW, and QLD, Glenmaggie and the team from The Middle of Everywhere proved they could host an event of this scale seamlessly. It wasn’t just a fantastic experience for locals like us, it was a shining example of how events like this can bring tourism, energy, and pride to small communities.

Organisers thought of everything-from parking attendants guiding us into place to spectator areas that brought us close to the action. Ice-creams, coffee, and an array of foods were on offer for the spectators eagerly waiting to sight their loved ones like that of an airport terminal. I was so happy to see Lachie and crew rising up from behind a hidden hill and making their way to me at the finishing arena.

As a mum I was able to shout out or sing out words of encouragement like “Go Spiderman” as he climbed through the nets. Yes, I’m one of those embarrassing mums!

True Grit isn’t just for the elite or the fitness obsessed. It’s for anyone willing to step out of their comfort zone, whether you’re running the course or cheering from the sidelines.

For Lachie and I it was more than an event; it was a shared experience that left us both inspired.

For Glenmaggie, events like this aren’t just about the thrill; they’re about putting our stunning region on the map, drawing visitors to explore The Middle of Everywhere, and celebrating all that makes Wellington Shire great- and if Lachie has his way, we’ll be back-ready for more mud, more sweat, and more unforgettable heart racing escapades next year!