Last Sunday, June 7 2026, a group from IMDEA Software traded their screens, algorithms, and administrative tasks for mud and running shoes for a few hours. Fourteen people from the institute, including research staff, systems technicians, and administration, wore t-shirts featuring the slogan “Somos Ciencia” (We Are Science) to take part for the first time in the “Survivor Race,” held at the Bolitas del Airón Sports Complex in Valdemoro.
Ahead of them was a 3 kilometer course with 15 obstacles that grew increasingly difficult with every step. The route had a bit of everything: from wading through mud pits and dodging electrified fences, to rope climbs, launch slides, javelin throwing, and, as the grand finale, jumping over fire just before the finish line.
Beyond the physical challenge, the best part of the day was the atmosphere. If the group proved anything, it’s that the “leave no one behind” rule was followed to the letter. The toughest obstacles were overcome thanks to helping hands, boosts over walls, and plenty of mutual encouragement, a perfect opportunity for genuine team building, getting to know each other outside the daily routine, and strengthening ties between departments.
At the end of the course, and covered in significantly more mud than when they started, all participants received a medal to commemorate completing the challenge. Given the great experience and everyone’s enthusiasm at the end, this Survivor Race looks to be the first of many sporting events to come for the IMDEA Software team.
