Sonoma County filmmaker goes inside the world of extreme endurance obstacle courses in 'The Rise of the Sufferfests'

Why do an estimated 4.6 million men and women leave the comfort of their sofas to suffer through ice, fire, barbed wire, burpees and mud-slinging obstacle course races with the ominous name of Sufferfests?

Sonoma County journalist and filmmaker, Scott Keneally thinks he knows. As both participant and observer in events like Tough Guy and Tough Mudder, Keneally sheds light on the phenomenon of extreme endurance obstacle courses in his new documentary, “The Rise of the Sufferfests.”

Exploring the history of the sport, the psychology behind the suffering and the personalities it attracts, Keneally looks at the "why" behind people turn themselves into modern gladiators.

“Are we as humans so disconnected in our daily lives that we need to risk safety in order to feel a sense of purpose?” Keneally asks. “The suffering – the shared suffering you experience at these events, leads to a sense of camaraderie and connection most of us don't experience in modern life.”

For the Healdsburg resident, fear of fatherhood coupled with the anxiety of an inability to keep up with his son catapulted him into Sufferfest events. Calling himself an obstacle race addict, "I've always gone through periodic spurs of activity and laziness. I'd get in shape for mountain biking, and be all gung-ho about it, then the winter rains would come and I'd do nothing at all. But these events are year-round, and give me a reason to stay in shape,” Keneally said.

A virtual Hunger Games experience, Keneally said, “I've finished around thirty obstacle courses in the past few years. I know it seems crazy. World's Toughest Mudder is crazy. But it's hard to beat the feeling of accomplishment you get when you cross the finish line of a 24-hour race. It was one of the most painful and rewarding experiences of my life.” Keneally completed 10 laps of the 5-mile course in 24 hours, reaching his 50-mile goal.

Sufferfests began in 1987 when Mr. Mouse, the founder of the original Tough Guy, hosted the first ever extreme obstacle course at his 160 acre farm in England. A sign hangs at the entrance of the property that says, “The Horse Sanctuary & Mr. Mouse's Farm for Unfortunates.” Extreme events like Tough Mudder, Warrior Dash and Tough Guy can attract up to 20,000 participants, and it is estimated that there are around 5,000 obstacle endurance races each year in more than 30 countries.

Sufferfests are clearly on the rise - even if you watch them from the comfort of your own couch.