The barbed wire crawl in a mud run can simulate the experience of refugees fleeing war zones or crossing borderlands by replicating the physical challenges and psychological stress of such journeys. Crawling through mud under barbed wire mirrors the need to move stealthily and endure harsh terrain to avoid detection. It evokes the exhaustion, fear, and vulnerability faced by refugees navigating dangerous paths in pursuit of safety.
While a mud run offers a controlled and ultimately safe environment, this obstacle can provide participants with a glimpse of the resilience and courage required in real-life situations.It forces participants to get low and crawl through a space where the risk of snagging clothing (or hair) is high, especially when you’re keeping modest attire in mind.
With barbed wire only inches above, the key is staying close to the ground. As you can imagine, doing so in an abaya poses a unique set of issues. Here’s a guide to crawling effectively and confidently while keeping yourself protected—and getting closer to nature in the process.
Staying low and centred
Choose the middle path
As you approach the barbed wire, look for the lowest point, which is typically at the edges. It might feel tempting to veer to the sides to avoid puddles, but the safest path is often straight down the centre. This route reduces the chance of your abaya catching on lower-hanging wire. Embrace the mud beneath—it’s part of the adventure!
Stay fully horizontal
The closer you stay to the ground, the better. Bring your elbows and knees as close to the earth as possible, almost like a commando crawl. Keeping your head and back down will help avoid catching on the wire above. The low position might feel uncomfortable initially, but it’s effective for minimising snags and ensuring you glide through smoothly.
Mindful movement
Move one arm and the opposite knee forward simultaneously to maintain balance. Try to keep each movement deliberate and steady, which helps avoid any sudden jerks that could lift you higher than intended. Small, consistent movements are ideal for keeping you grounded and on a steady path under the barbed wire.
Tips for front-crawling
Use your forearms to pull forward
The mud beneath can give you a bit of traction, so use your forearms to “pull” yourself forward while keeping your body low. This crawl technique lets you avoid lifting your knees, which can raise your hips and increase the risk of snagging on the wire. By focusing on your arms, you maintain a flatter position and stay close to the ground.
Keep your head down and your chin tucked
To protect your hijab and avoid snagging, keep your chin tucked close to your chest. This not only helps keep your head lower but also prevents fabric from rising up. Remember, keeping your head down isn’t just about avoiding the wire; it also helps with maintaining momentum as you crawl.
Hold your abaya close
If you’re wearing a longer abaya, tuck the front part in at your waist as you approach the crawl, or adjust it to fit snugly against your legs. This reduces extra fabric that could catch on the ground or wire. If you need to, secure the abaya at the waist with a quick fold or tie before you start, so it stays in place.
Adjust your hijab after the crawl
Crawling through mud while staying low will probably displace your hijab a bit, but that’s okay! Once you’re through, take a moment to readjust. Keeping pins or a small hijab magnet handy can be helpful for quickly securing any loose ends before moving on to the next obstacle.
Embrace the mud
The mud you’re crawling through might seem like just another part of the course, but there’s a deeper connection to be felt here. According to the Quran, Adam was made from clay, symbolising humanity’s creation from the earth itself. As you crawl, fully grounded and connected to the mud, you’re returning to that elemental origin—something to reflect on as you push through the challenge.
This muddy experience is a reminder that our physical selves come from the earth and will one day return to it. So embrace the mud, and feel that sense of unity with the earth.
Final tips
Use gloves for protection
Wearing gloves can give your hands better traction in the mud, helping you pull yourself forward without slipping. They also offer a layer of protection from rocks or rough patches in the mud that you might otherwise feel.
Avoid sudden movements
Jerking up or making quick movements could lift you up higher than intended, which is risky under barbed wire. Smooth, steady progress is the safest way to ensure your body and clothing stay free of snags and scrapes.
Keep your body relaxed
Tension in your muscles makes it harder to stay close to the ground. Try to relax as you crawl, letting gravity pull you downward. A relaxed posture also helps you stay more in control of your movements, so you won’t accidentally lift your body or hit the barbed wire above.
Celebrating the crawl
Getting through the barbed wire section of a mud run is no small feat, especially in an abaya and hijab. With every crawl forward, you’re proving to yourself that you can face challenges with resilience and creativity. Embrace the mud, let go of any hesitations about getting dirty, and celebrate your newfound closeness to the earth.
By the time you emerge on the other side, you’ll have pushed both physical and symbolic boundaries. Covered in mud and inspired by your earthy origins, you’ll continue on the course knowing that you’ve overcome something profound—one carefully crawled inch at a time.