So, you think running is a little boring and you need some flair to spice it up? The incredibly popular Tough Mudder events do more than spice up running, they are definitively hardcore. You’ll see one of these increasingly popular endurance races on tonight’s Biggest Loser. The three remaining contestants for season 13 are joined by the winners from seasons 10, 11, and 12, Patrick, Olivia, and John.
All Tough Mudder events, billed as “the toughest event on the planet,” are 10-12 mile obstacle courses designed by British Special Forces. The organization states that the courses are designed to test one’s “all around strength, stamina, mental grit, and camaraderie.” These events are a far cry from road racing, or even trail racing. Tough Mudder has three pillars that it stands upon:
1. Because running is boring.
2. Mudders (participants) do not take themselves too seriously.
3. You cannot complete a Tough Mudder course alone.
All participants have to agree to the Tough Mudder Pledge before entering the event.
As a Tough Mudder I Pledge That…
- I understand that Tough Mudder is not a race but a challenge.
- I put teamwork and camaraderie before my course time.
- I do not whine- Kids whine.
- I help my fellow Mudders complete the course.
- I overcome all fears.
The pledge is honored as participants climb walls, crawl under barbed wire, slop through mud pits, climb ropes, charge through fire, or a plethora of other tough and innovative obstacles. These events are bringing in more than half a million participants worldwide. So far they have raised more than $2 million dollars for their purpose, The Wounded Warrior Project, an organization that helps “severely injured service members during the time between active duty and transition to civilian life.”
The Tough Mudder adventure challenge takes places all over the globe, including the U.S., Canada, Europe, Australia, South Africa and Japan. There are nearly two dozen U.S. events scheduled from coast to coast, with spots filling quickly. Most events for the next six months are already halfway full. The Tough Mudder website displays the dates and locations of all the events, which begin as early as May in some cities and go as late as October in others. Depending on how early one registers, the events cost between $80 to $150 per person. The event also draws quite a crowd, with spectators tickets available for purchase online or the day of the event.
Tough Mudder is definitely a change of pace from road running, but it may be too intense for some. You truly have to be one Tough Mudder to take on one of these challenges.
If you’ve ever wanted to see what one of these races is all about, then tune in to Biggest Loser tonight, April 24, 2024. You’ll see a Tough Mudder up close and personal before sticking out your own neck. Preview it now!
images via ToughMudder.com