Frequently Asked Questions

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The answers to 95% of all the questions we receive are addressed here in the FAQs, so save yourself some time by reading below before contacting us.

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BACKGROUND

What is the philosophy behind Tough Mudder?

Tough Mudder events are hardcore 10-12 mile obstacle courses designed by British Special Forces to test your all around strength, stamina, mental grit, and camaraderie. As the leading company in the booming obstacle course industry, Tough Mudder has already challenged half a million inspiring participants worldwide and raised more than $2 million for the Wounded Warrior Project. Tough Mudder is more than an event, it’s a way of thinking. By running a Tough Mudder challenge, you’ll unlock a true sense of accomplishment, have a great time, and discover a camaraderie with your fellow participants that’s experienced all too rarely these days.

Who created Tough Mudder?

Tough Mudder was founded by Will Dean, a former counter-terrorism agent for the British Government. While getting his MBA at Harvard, Dean was inspired to start Tough Mudder out of frustration with unimaginative and repetitive marathons, triathlons, mud runs, and other adventure runs.

Is Tough Mudder really the toughest event on the planet?

This depends upon your definition of tough. Sure, running 40 miles in a straight line isn’t easy, but we don’t think running 40 miles in a straight line is a real test of all-around toughness, strength, stamina, and mental grit. Tough Mudder gives participants the opportunity to test themselves in every way — all in one place and all in one day. Our relatively low prices and close proximity to major cities means that you can participate with thousands of other inspiring participants, not just a handful of endurance geeks with more time and money than sense.

Is Tough Mudder the same as other events out there like Muddy Buddy or Warrior Dash?

No. Muddy Buddy and Warrior Dash are both great events and really fun days out, but Tough Mudder is a very different proposition. Our events are three times as long, take place in hostile environments, often at altitude, and are a significant physical and mental challenge. Completing a Tough Mudder requires camaraderie and a degree of toughness that other mud-runs will not even begin to test.

Is Tough Mudder a race?

Tough Mudder is not a race. A Tough Mudder event is a personal challenge — the goal is simply to complete the course. This is why we do not time people and why we try to avoid using the word ‘race’ when describing our events. This is a critical tenet of our philosophy and our pledge. However, at the request of elite athletes from around the world, we do have an elite start wave for those that can run a marathon in under 3.15 or an Olympic distance triathlon in 2.15. For these folks, we also have the World’s Toughest Mudder event in December each year, where they can compete against other Mudders from all over the world. We thought long and hard about having this event run alongside our other events and how it impacted the sense of camaraderie and non-competition that we are trying to achieve through our standard format events. Ultimately, we decided that if we put all these guys together in one separate group away from everyone else, they could have the competition they want, and everyone else can focus on enjoying Tough Mudder with their buddies instead of having a bunch of guys trying to push past them in a mad dash to get to the finish. We can see why some people think this is inconsistent, but with the number of requests we were getting, we decided that rather than saying ‘no’ again and again, we could satisfy these guys and let everyone else focus on just completing the course and having fun.

Can I use the Tough Mudder logo on my own products or websites?

No. We love the enthusiasm of Tough Mudder fans but we need to keep some control on how and when our logo and other intellectual property are used. This way, when you do see it you know it’s the real deal! Still interested in using? Click here to submit your request to TMHQ.

REGISTRATION DETAILS

What is included in the entry fee?

Why do I have to pay a $15 Insurance Fee?

Do I have to sign a waiver to participate?

Yes. When you arrive on event day, you must sign a waiver in which you acknowledge (among other things) that by participating in Tough Mudder you expose yourself to certain risks, including the risk of personal injury. For legal reasons, we suggest that you read and understand the waiver before you sign it on event day. A sample waiver is available here.

Can Women Enter?

Because TMHQ has received inquiries asking whether or not women can participate, we would like to make it clear that women are strongly encouraged to register, and that 25% of all registrants are female.

Can Children Enter?

For insurance and legal reasons, ALL participants in the United States must be 18 years old on the day of the Event. All participating in an event in Canada must be 19-years old on the day of the Event. Because of insurance and legal issues, we cannot make any exceptions, nor can a parental waiver be signed.

Is there an age requirement to participate in Tough Mudder?

Yes. If you are participating in the U.S., you MUST be 18 years old on event day to participate in Tough Mudder for legal and insurance reasons. If you are participating in any Canadian Tough Mudder event, you must be 19 yrs old to participate. There is no age limit, though — we have participants aged over 75 at our events. We cannot make any exceptions to this policy, nor will parental consent suffice.

How fit do I have to be to participate?

Tough Mudder events are designed to test all round fitness. However, fitness alone will not get you round the course. You will also need mental endurance to complete the course and overcome the obstacles. You will need to train beforehand – See our training program.

Are journalists really allowed in for free?

Yes. More information for journalists, including instructions on how to register for free press entry, is available here.

HOW TO REGISTER

When is Tough Mudder coming to my area?

Check out our events page for details. If you live in the US and an event is not listed in your area, you can vote to bring Tough Mudder to your city/region here. If you do not live in the US, we encourage you to show your support on Mudder Nation and on our Facebook page. The more support we see for an area, the more likely we will bring Tough Mudder to you.

Where is my confirmation email?

You can resend your confirmation email to yourself. Go to our Registration Center, where you can choose the option to resend your confirmation email.
If you still do not receive a confirmation email, contact RaceIt Customer Service.

Please note: If you have pre-registered for an event, you will not receive a confirmation email but will be updated as soon as registration opens.

Are you experiencing issues/problems during the registration process?

If you are having issues during the registration process please try using a different internet browser. We recommend Mozilla Firefox or Internet Explorer. Please ensure that your browser is enabled for cookies. If you are experiencing technical issues please contact RaceIt at toughmudder@raceit.com.

Can I register by mail or phone?

No. You must register for all events online through our website.

The event in which I’m participating has sold out before all the members of my team could enter. Is there any way that they can still enter?

Unfortunately, if registration has closed it means we have reached our maximum capacity. Due to safety and insurance reasons we cannot allow any more participants. However, we always leave extra room for our season pass holders. If you want to get into a sold-out event, you can purchase a season pass by clicking here.

What is the deadline for registration?

Each event’s page lists when we anticipate closing registration. For most events, registration closes roughly 1 week prior to the event weekend. However, our events almost always sell out before this date, so it is important to register as early as possible. The price of registration increases the closer to the event that you register.

I am not sure if I am really registered. Is there a place I can check?

Go to our Registration Center where you can choose the option to resend your confirmation email. Through this link, you can search for your registration and then resend your confirmation email, which verifies that you have registered and we have received payment. If you cannot find your name when you search, please check your bank account to see if your credit card was charged. These charges take affect 24-48 hours after you have registered. If you have been charged but aren’t appearing in the search field, please contact RaceIt Customer Service at toughmudder@raceit.com.

TEAM REGISTRATION

Can team names be changed?

Yes. Your team captain can change your team name by going to our Registration Center and choosing the option “Manage Your Existing Team”. The captain will then enter their RaceIt login information, and then can change their team name. If you are experiencing problems logging in, please contact our database admin at toughmudder@raceit.com.

How big can my team be?

You team can be as big as you want. We have no minimum or maximum team size.

Can the size of the team be changed?

Yes, you can continue adding members to your team until registration is sold out. 2-4 weeks after the event, RaceIt will send a $5 refund to members of teams with 6+ people, $10 refunds to members of teams with 11-20 people, and $20 to members of teams with more than 20 people.

Can team members start at different times?

All teams that register together will be placed in the same start wave. If team members register late or as an individual and then switch to a team, Tough Mudder cannot guarantee that he/she will start at the same time as his/her team.

Are teams required to finish as one?

Team members can choose to run the course at their own pace, but some might say “where is the camaraderie in that?” Or, “run and finish collectively as a group, now that’s tough!” However, we at Tough Mudder leave this decision at each team member’s sole discretion.

How do I register for the correct team if there are multiple teams with exactly the same name?

Duplicate team names are permitted, and we apologize for the confusion this may cause. However, team captains can set a custom password to ensure that only previously invited registrants join their team. Please see the next question on how to create a password.

Can the captain set a password for the team?

Team captains can create a custom password for their team by going to our Registration Center and choosing the option “manage your existing team”. As teams with duplicate names exist, custom passwords are highly encouraged because they prevent new registrants from joining the wrong team. If you have lost your password, you will need to contact our database admin at toughmudder@raceit.com.

PRICING & DISCOUNTS

How much does it cost?

Tough Mudder events are typically $90-$200, depending on when you register. The earlier you register, the cheaper your ticket. Please visit our events page to choose the event you are interested in for more information on specific pricing.

Are prices listed per person or per team?

The prices listed on the various event pages are per person, not per team. But the more people join your team, the more you get refunded after event day.

Can I get a discount?

All information on discounts can be found here. These are the discounts that we currently offer, and cannot provide any other discount codes or offers at this time.

How do I get the military discount?

Tough Mudder is proud to offer $10 military discounts for current or former member of the United States Military or Canadian Army. Simply indicate this during registration by answering the appropriate military question. You will receive the $10 military discount when you present your military ID (or DD214) on event day. If you are experiencing troubles with your pricing, please contact RaceIt at toughmudder@raceit.com.

Are there team discounts?

Yes, and they’re pretty awesome. Click here for more information. Please note: If you registered for Tough Mudder through a third-party discount vendor, such as Groupon, you are not eligible for a team discount.

What is included in the entry fee?

In addition to participation in the event itself, you also get an official Tough Mudder Under Armour shirt and Tough Mudder Sweatband, as well as entry to the post-party. If you finish the course, you also get to enjoy one beer on us and – if you dare – a Tough Mudder tattoo for $70. Fill out a tattoo registration entry form and we’ll give you a free entry to a Tough Mudder of your choice in 2012.

REFUNDS

Can I get a refund?

No. We do not issue refunds, regardless of circumstance, nor do we issue partial refunds, as per company policy and the terms & conditions that are agreed to by each participant during registration.

I’m injured and can’t run, can I get a refund?

It is impossible for us to assess each injury on a case by case basis and therefore do not offer refunds when participants are injured and cannot participate. However, your registration fee will allow you access to be a spectator on the day of your event.

If I sign up but can’t participate, can I give my ticket to someone else?

No. Tough Mudder tickets are non-transferable and non-refundable. The person who signs up must be the same one who participates.

TRANSFERRING EVENTS / TEAMS

Can I switch days or events?

Yes, you can switch to a different day within your event (Sat to Sun or vice versa) or to a different event. In each case there is a $30 transfer fee, plus additional ticket price increases. You can only transfer to events that are open for registration and no transfers can be made within one (1) month of the original event date. Please visit our Registration Center, where you can choose the appropriate transfer option, and then follow the prompts.

How do I transfer my registration?

You can switch to a different day within your event (Sat to Sun or vice versa) or to a different event. In each case there is a $30 transfer fee, plus additional ticket price increases. You can only transfer to events that are open for registration and no transfers can be made within one (1) month of the original event date. Please visit our Registration Center, where you can choose the appropriate transfer option, and then follow the prompts.

How do I transfer my registration for international events?

Please visit our Registration Center, where you can choose the appropriate transfer option, and then follow the prompts.

Can I transfer my registration to somebody else?

No. Tough Mudder tickets are non-transferable and non-refundable. The person who signs up must be the same one who participates. Unfortunately, we cannot make exceptions to this policy.

CHARITIES

What is the Wounded Warrior Project (WWP)?

The Wounded Warrior Project (WWP) is a non-profit organization that helps American servicemen and servicewomen who have been severely injured. Tough Mudders who raise money for the WWP may be eligible for a discount on their tickets. Click here for more information.

How does Tough Mudder raise money for the WWP?

Tough Mudder raises money for The Wounded Warrior Project by offering a $25 discount to people who pledge to raise $150. We’ve found this is the best way to raise money for them. You can see our running tally of funds raised in the left sidebar of our website.

How do I raise funds for the WWP?

All donations must be made online, and donors must designate their gift on behalf of a team or individual. Registered participants will have a link in their confirmation email. This is a personalized link automatically created for participants to supply to friends/family to donate. You can also search the name of the participant and then click the “support” button to be directed to the participant’s personalized page, if not automatically directed. Participants can view donations made to their name here. If you need your confirmation email resent, you can resend it by going to our Registration Center.

How can I help Tough Mudder raise money for other charities?

Tough Mudders encourages all participants to raise money for a charity of their choosing. However, Tough Mudder is associated with the Wounded Warrior Project, and the charity discount is only available to participants who pledge to raise $150 for the Wounded Warrior Project. Your fund raising link is provided to you in your confirmation email. If you have lost this, you can get your confirmation email resent by going to our Registration Center.

PREPARING FOR TOUGH MUDDER

How should I train for Tough Mudder?

It’s important to prepare yourself both mentally and physically for Tough Mudder. For more information and our suggestions, click here.

What is the required swimming skill level?

Tough Mudder recommends that all participants possess basic swimming fundamentals and be skilled to not only tread water but also prepared to swim a minimum distance of 25-30 feet. Also, we suggest that persons with limited swimming ability to bypass the deep water parts of the course, as basic swimming skills are essential for the safe completion of these obstacles.

Can I view the course in advance?

The course is not going to be finalized until a couple of days before each event. We will try our best to ensure that participants can view the course the day before the event. You can view a preview of each course on the specific event page and click on the map at the top of the page.

LODGING, TRANSPORTATION & PARKING

Where can I find directions to Tough Mudder?

Directions to all Tough Mudder events can be found on the event page on this website here.

Where can I find lodging for an event?

Any lodging that we setup will be found on your specific event page – select your event from our events list. Choose the event you are registered for and look for lodging information. If we have no setup any specials for our Mudders at a given time, you can always check back later.

Can I camp?

Tough Mudder doesn’t offer camping at this time, but you can always check with the venue to see if they will be setting up camping options.

Does Tough Mudder provide transportation to events?

Tough Mudder doesn’t offer transportation to and from events, but we will have shuttles going from the parking lot to the registration tables. If we do have this for a specific event, we will send out this information in our participant information packet 1-2 weeks before your event.

Where do I park on event day?

We will send out this information on parking in our participant information packet 1-2 weeks before your event. We usually charge $10/car for most events, but the participant information packet will confirm extra details.

Can I bring a RV, Bus, or another large mode or transportation?

Unfortunately, we can only allow cars and trucks into the parking lot. If you have anything bigger, please be ready to make alternative plans for parking and transportation. We cannot make exceptions on this policy.

START TIMES & FINISHING TIMES

What time does the event start?

The first start group will vary according to the event, usually between 8am and 9am. Individuals can request a particular start time when registering, and team captains will decide the start time for their team. We ask you to show up 2 hours before your official start time, which you will recieve via email 1-2 weeks prior to your event.

What is the total number of start groups and when do they start?

There are typically 10-15 start groups running every 20 minutes. The time of the first start group will vary according to the event.

How do I find out my start time?

If you are registered as an individual, you will select your preferred start time during online registration. If you are registered with a team, only the team captain will select a preferred start time. Please note, while we do our best to accommodate this preference, it is not a guarantee. You will be emailed your assigned start time within a week of the event. The start times will also be posted to the event page one week prior to the event.

How will my finishing time be recorded?

Tough Mudder is not a race. It is an event to be completed. We built this event for people to push themselves and see what they are capable of. We sincerely believe that worrying too much about your time takes away from some of the most important parts of Tough Mudder. Namely, camaraderie and teamwork. Your timing is your responsibility to record and enter. We will email you detailed instructions after your event on how to enter your time to be considered for World’s Toughest Mudder. This will be available about 1-week after the event, so enter your time as soon as possible. We think honesty with yourself and other Mudders is one of the core values of being a Tough Mudder. If you want to lie about your time, you can, but we think you would just be cheating yourself.

How do I register for an elite start time?

Tough Mudder doesn’t have elite start times. If you are a competitive participant, select the first start wave on Saturday when you register for an event, and this is where the most badass Mudders start.

Is there a time limit for completing Tough Mudder?

While there is no set time limit for completing Tough Mudder, all participants who have not reached the half-way mark by a designated time (this time will be released in the participant information packet for said event) will be shown a modified route.

What is the average finishing time?

The average Tough Mudder will complete the course in around three hours.

How do I qualify for World’s Toughest Mudder?

To qualify, you will need to time yourself. We will send participants an email shortly after the event that will provide a page where you can enter your time. Our WTM coordinator will be in contact with you if you have qualified. If you did not qualify, you can always apply for a wild card registration here.

EVENT DAY

What should I bring?

Short answer – wear normal running shoes and warm but light clothing, plus gloves and a swim cap. Long answer – click here.

Are there water and aid stations on each course?

Tough Mudder events will have at least 5 water and aid stations on each course. For more information on locations throughout the course, please talk to an event official on your event day.

Will Tough Mudder be cancelled if there is bad weather?

Tough Mudder events will happen regardless of the weather conditions. To clarify, we will never cancel a course solely because of weather conditions. However, if weather conditions make the course unsafe, or affect our medical and safety teams’ ability to help participants, this will also have to be evaluated independently of the weather.

Where do I collect my Event Pack?

Registration for each event will take place on location the day of the event. Please note that on two day events, you may only pick up your packet on YOUR event day. There will be signs directing all participants to the pick-up point. Each participant must collect his/her packet in person in order to sign a physical waiver.

Can I skip an obstacle?

Tough Mudder is not supposed to be about getting a faster time than your buddy, so it’s fine by us if you want to skip an obstacle. The way we see it, you are there to have fun and get a real sense of achievement at the end. If you think a particular obstacle isn’t going to do this for you, just go around it – no shame there. However, if you are skipping an obstacle just to improve your time, then we think you are only cheating yourself. You paid to do the course – why not actually do it? Obviously, though, for some who participate there is a real element of competition involved in the event, so we do say that to qualify for a winners’s prize or for the World’s Toughest Mudder competition you must have completed all the obstacles.

How does Tough Mudder punish cheaters?

Tough Mudders do not cheat. If any participants are caught cheating, they will be disqualified. Skipping an obstacles is not considered cheating. Please see the above question “Can I skip an obstacle” for more information.

What if I really can’t complete an obstacle?

You can skip any obstacle that you do not feel comfortable with. You should be prepared to swim at least 50 feet in VERY cold water over your head. Please see the above question “Can I skip an obstacle” for more information.

What if I can’t swim?

What if I get sick or injured?

There will be plenty of volunteer paramedics and EMS personnel at each event.

Where can I find medical help?

First Aid personnel will be distributed widely around the course. Please speak to an event official on event day if you want to know more information about where they will be located.

WHAT TO BRING TO A TOUGH MUDDER EVENT

What should I wear to Tough Mudder?

We’ve got a whole page dedicated to this – check out our list of what to bring to an event here.

What should I bring for after the event?

A fresh change of clothes (don’t forget your party pants!).

Are children welcome at Tough Mudder?

All children under the age of 10 are allowed free entrance onto the site.

Can I bring friends and family to watch?

Absolutely – Tough Mudder events are very spectator friendly. Information on purchasing spectator tickets is available here. Children under the age of 16 do not need an ID to enter the event.

Can I bring my pet to Tough Mudder?

For health & safety reasons, you are not allowed to bring your pets to Tough Mudder.

Where can I store my valuables during the event?

There is a baggage drop facility at each event.

Can I bring my own food and alcohol?

No. You are not allowed to bring your own food or alcohol on-site.

POST-EVENT PARTY

Do I have to pay extra for the post-event party?

No. The post-event party is free for all participants and spectators.

Will there be showers?

All participants will have the opportunity to be hosed down by volunteer firemen after finishing the course. At some venues, there will also be a shower option available.

Will there be food?

There will be plenty of food for sale throughout the day.

Will there be alcohol?

There will be alcohol available for sale. All participants over 21 will receive one beer as part of their registration which they can collect after the conclusion of the event.

Can I bring my own food and alcohol?

No. You are not allowed to bring your own food or alcohol on-site.

Do I really get one beer?

Yes. The registration fee includes one beer for participants 21 and over, which can be collected after the conclusion of the event.

Are you really giving out Tough Mudder tattoos?

For most events, we will have tattoo artists on-site available to ink you for a $70 donation. In some cases, local law does not allow us to have artists on-site. We still encourage participants tough enough to get a Tough Mudder tattoo to do so on your own. Fill out a tattoo registration form and we’ll give you a free entry to a Tough Mudder of your choice in 2012. Customize your tattoo by having the event date and location put on – keep adding as you go to record all your epic Mudder adventures.

Is there an awards ceremony?

Yes. We have an awards ceremony for every event day. The awards include: (but are not limited to) Most Respect Reward, Costume Contest Winner, and Toughest Mullet/Mohawk.

How can I nominate someone for the Most Respect Award?

You can nominate a participant for a Most Respect Award by submitting the nomination on our contact page.

What is the Tough Mullet/Mohawk Competition?

We recognize that the toughest people aren’t always the fastest or most athletic. One way of celebrating this is the Tough Mullet/Mohawk Competition. Participants can either arrive with a mullet or take advantage of the free head shave. Those with the best mullets & mohawks will be invited to take to the stage, and prizes will be awarded to the best!

POST-EVENT DAY

Where can I buy Tough Mudder gear?

We will be selling Tough Mudder gear at a dedicated sales tent near the finish line at each event. You can also get official Under Armour Tough Mudder gear here.

Will the results be posted online?

No, Tough Mudder does not record times. However, there’s always the chance our photographer caught the results of your hard work. Check out official event photos here.

Will photos from Tough Mudder be posted online?

Yes. We post pictures on our facebook page from the events. You can also purchase photos of yourself from our events through Brightroom here. Participant photos will be up and available for purchase 3-4 days after event day.

CONTACT

How do I reach Customer Service?

Customer Service can be reached by clicking here. Please leave your full name, team name (if applicable), email address, and phone number, along with your question/issue. However, before contacting us, please check through the FAQs for the answer(s) to your question(s) as answers to most frequently asked questions can be found here.

If you are experiencing issues with registration on our website, or being overcharged, please contact our database admin at toughmudder@raceit.com and they can look into this issue for you.

Please review all FAQs before submitting a question!

Where do I go for more information?

If any of your queries are not answered by these FAQs, you can find contact information by clicking here.

Can I have a poster for my gym/office?

We thought you’d never ask. Click here to download a Tough Mudder 2012 poster for your gym, office, bathroom, dog house…wherever!

How can I become a volunteer?

To find more information on volunteering at Tough Mudder, please go to our volunteer page.

Is Tough Mudder hiring?

Tough Mudder is always on the look-out for intelligent people to work as part of our team. Check our our “We’re Hiring” page for more information.

I am a journalist. How do I sign up?

Tough Mudder is offering free registration to all qualified journalists who wish to participate if they agree to cover the event. If you are interested please email us at media@toughmudder.com from your work email address and we will take it from there.