Level Up Lanes are our new and improved way to help you up the ante all over the Tough Mudder course in 2019.

That’s right, Mudders, this year, whether you’re a newbie or a Legionnaire, you can choose your challenge and test your toughness like never before. Our all new Level Up lanes offer a range of difficulty options at select obstacles throughout every Tough Mudder Classic and Tough Mudder 5K course. (Although you won’t find every one of these on every course—’cause we like to keep you guessing.)

So, crank it up a notch or take it down a peg—2019 is the year that you decide.

Tough Mudder Level Up Lanes

 

The Obstacle: Leap of Faith
The Level Up Lane Upgrade: A higher net that’s 3 feet off the water—requiring a full upper-body grab.

MORE: This 3-Move Upper Body Workout Will Help You Take the Leap of Faith 

The Obstacle: Kiss of Mud
The Level Up Lane Upgrade: You’ll want to stay even closer to the ground, because we lowered the section of barbed wires several inches.  

The Obstacle: Hold Your Wood
The Level Up Lane Upgrade: In case your wood isn’t big enough: we’re giving you the opportunity to run with two logs. That’s double the weight and double the challenge, dude.

The Obstacle: Entrapment
The Level Up Lane Upgrade: A lower section of wires (4 inches lower, to be specific) and additional hanging obstacles.

The Obstacle: Devil’s Beard
The Level Up Lane Upgrade: You’ll still crawl under that crazy net—you’ll just do it while carrying a 40- to 60-pound sandbag. 

The Obstacle: Berlin Walls
The Level Up Lane Upgrade: We’ve added a horizontal overhead ledge to the top of the wall.

The Obstacle: Black Widow
The Level Up Lane Upgrade: Forget the standard straps on Black Widow—you’ll swap those for a special challenge lane with colored straps. Just try to stay out of the water, people.

MORE: The Core Workout That Will Get You Through Black Widow

The Obstacle: Cage Crawl
The Level Up Lane Upgrade: Get ready to hold your breath, because in addition to the chain link sections, we’ve added a 6-feet long plexiglass window that you’ll need to crawl under. 

The Obstacle: Augustus Gloop 2.0
The Level Up Lane Upgrade: Lanes will have randomly placed grab holes instead of a ladder section climb-up. ‘Cause that’s just too easy.

The Obstacle: Funky Monkey – the Revolution
The Level Up Lane Upgrade: We’ve added covers to half of the rungs on the way up, so you’ll have to skip every other rung.

The Obstacle: The Gauntlet
The Level Up Lane Upgrade: You’ll find trouble steps on the Twinkle Toes section, and on the Gut Buster section, challenge yourself with Pole Dancer.

MORE: The EMOM Full Body Workout That Will Get You Through The Gauntlet

The Obstacle: Electroshock Therapy
The Level Up Lane Upgrade: When you level up on Electroshock Therapy, you’ll find a middle section with a higher density of wires and hay bale barriers. ZAP. 

The Obstacle: Everest 2.0
The Level Up Lane Upgrade: Call it Everest 3.0: You’ll find a new section added to this obstacle that’s 2 feet taller than the classic version of Everest.

The Obstacle: Hydrophobia
The Level Up Lane Upgrade: Just in case the Hydrophobia tube isn’t claustrophobic enough for you, the Level Up Lanes version sits 3 inches lower in the water.

The Obstacle: Spread Eagle
The Level Up Lane Upgrade: Challenge your core with a wider set of straps—spaced an extra 12 inches apart.

Think you’re ready to Level Up? Sign up for a Tough Mudder event today.

**Please be aware these Level Up Lanes are currently for North American courses only.**

Eat. Adventure. Stay.

50 years ago, Whistler was a little known ski-town, just a 90-minute drive from metropolitan Vancouver, British Columbia; now, Whistler is a vibrant, all-season mountain resort known for its beautiful vistas, sparkling lakes, dense rainforest, and lively, pedestrian-only village.

Race your heart out at Canada’s Toughest Mudder or Whistler Tough Mudder Full and Half at Whistler Olympic Park, where you’ll be following in the footsteps of Olympians during the Winter 2010 Olympics. Run up green, black and blue ski slopes while testing your limits as you breathe in the alpine air. If you thought winter was pretty, wait until you see the views during summer–just stay clear of the black bears that frequent the area and you’ll be good to go. After your event, head to the nearby town to Whistler to refuel, recuperate, and maybe even re-energize with just some of the activities that Whistler offers. Here’s what to do, where to eat, how to sleep no matter your budget.

For even more awesome info, check out whistler.com

Whistler might not seem like the perfect place to chow down on Mexican food, but trust us on this one. Head to La Cantina, famous around town for its tacos and burritos. Think of this as the best way to carb-load before your event, especially if you’re tired of the night-before-race pasta parties.

If you’re looking for an epic treat meal post-race, we have two words for you: custom burger. Head to Splitz Grill where diners pick and choose their patty (which includes Free Range Bison, Spicy Lentil, and Wild Salmon), as well as their buns, veggies, and toppings (we recommend their special Splitz sauce.) Vegetarian and gluten-free options are also available, which makes Splitz great for anyone, no matter their dietary styles.

If burritos or burgers don’t suit your fancy, check out Peaked Pies, a cafe serving Australian meat pies. While we recommend the butter chicken pie, the Hopper might intrigue those interested in a truly Australian experience. And, for dessert and a post-race indulgence–after all, after eight hours of intense obstacles and maybe even the coveted 50 miles, you’ve earned it–head over to Cows for ice cream and all things cow-related–including slippers, onesies, and what Cows likes to call “udder stuff.”

For those looking for fine dining, try Rimrock Cafe for its emphasis on local cuisine. Specials often include fresh catches like wild salmon or sablefish, or game meats like elk and venison.

Tough Mudders are always looking ahead to the next challenge, so it’s no surprise that Whistler just happens to be the capital for activities. What better to suit up for all of your activities then checking out Merrell’s new 2017 line for all your before, during and after event needs?

For those on a budget, there’s nothing better than a hike to work up a sweat, then a jump into a lake to cool things off. Lost Lake, located just a few miles from town, features 100 kilometers of trails during summer months.

The mountains are a must, and the Peak 2 Peak Gondola is the best way to get up close and personal with both Whistler and Blackcomb. Early to mid-summer heat brings the green slopes to life with pink and purple wildflowers, and the chance to see black bears are high.

Mudders thrive off of adrenaline, so what better way to get your heart pumping than zip lining? Head to ZipTrek Eco Tours and ask for the Mammoth Tour, advertised for “those who have an enlarged appetite for adventure and exhilaration.” Sounds like Mudders to me. Lines run anywhere from 400 to 2,400 feet long, with the biggest one descending 30-storeys. Whether you’re zip lining before or after your Toughest Mudder, you’ll be ready to conquer anything after this ride.

The adventures for Tough Mudders continue beyond this weekend. Head to Whistler Olympic Park and fFeel like an Olympian while you try your hand at biathlon: take aim and shoot a rifle at the same targets as the Olympians did. To up the ante, run a lap first, get your heart rate pounding, and then try to steady your aim! Can you hit all 5 of the small targets? 

Whistler might be seen as a high-end resort, and it is, but that doesn’t mean that options don’t exist. For a more economical fare, check out the Hi-Whistler Hostel, once part of the Olympic Athlete Village during the Vancouver 2010 Winter Games. Rooms include the use of free Wi-fi, a common room to play games like pool, and storage for mountain bikes or other equipment that powers your Whistler vacation.

For those looking to stay a little more central to town, the Aava Whistler Hotel is a solid choice. Only a 2-minute walk from Whistler Village, the Aava offers great deals and packages, which makes this even better.

Looking for luxury? The Fairmont Chateau Whistler  has all of the added amenities you could ever need, including complimentary yoga classes, free shuttles, and valet service for both bikes and skis.

Tough Mudder X presented by Kill Cliff is the most insane race around, created to disrupt the sports industry. This is the ultimate race to determine the fittest, fastest athletes in the world. This pulse-pounding competition pits the world’s elite athletes against a one-mile course built to put speed, agility, and strength to the test with world-class obstacles and challenging workouts. Tough Mudder X will push good to great, better to best, and The Toughest Athletes on the Planet beyond their limits. This season, on June 8th, we’re headed to Virginia with a brand new batch of epic – Tough Mudder X World Championship. Airing exclusively on CBS Sports in Summer 2018, this electrifying race is the culmination of the Tough Mudder X Open season, and The Coolest F*cking Thing You’ve Ever Seen. Tough Mudder X Open is the proving ground – Tough Mudder X World Championship separates the good from the truly elite in every athletic discipline imaginable – OCR, CrossFit, American Ninja Warrior, and many more – and crowns ultimate winners in the men’s and women’s categories, along with a cool $25,000 to both.

If you’ve been going back and forth as to whether or not a Tough Mudder Half will be worth it, read on. Aspects of the Tough Mudder Full are kept (and ditched) for good reason, making the Tough Mudder Half an event that you can definitely handle.

1. You Don’t Have To Face The Ice – Or Get Zapped

The Half cuts a few of the more terrifying obstacles out – Arctic Enema and Electroshock Therapy, specifically. If the thought of an ice cold bath has you running in the opposite direction, away from the finish line, then the Half might be more your speed. Avoiding the 10,000 volts of electricity does sound pretty ideal. But don’t worry, you’ll still have a full-fledged challenge ahead of you; the 13 obstacles will still shock you in their own way.

2. Your Squad Can Come

Teammates help to separate Tough Mudder from other, run-of-the-mill races. You’ll improve your personal best and push yourself even harder when your friends have your back. Whether it’s pulling each other over The Block Ness Monster or cheering each other on through the mud, it’s more likely that you’ll pull better numbers when recruiting for a Half. 10 miles is a lot for your soon-to-be-Mudded friends to stomach, so maybe five will be more their speed.

3. The Mess Makes It Worth It

Half a course doesn’t mean any less mud. Shyness, insecurity, and fear all give way to your all-out, down and dirty event. Something about getting covered in mud throws all other reservations out the window, making Tough Mudder undeniably memorable.

4. You’ll Kickstart A Healthy Hobby

People spend their time doing a lot of dumb, unproductive stuff. Training and mastering Tough Mudder courses, on the other hand, is a healthy addiction to have. Obsessing over new obstacles, scouting out the newest race locations, and converting more friends into Tough Mudder-believers is a better use for your time than binge-watching Netflix and ordering Seamless.

5. The Finish-Line Beer (Plus Other Free Swag)

In both the Half and the Full, finishers get to take a few gifts home. In addition to the Tough Mudder headband and shirt (because, you know, bragging rights), you’ll get an ice cold beer to sip through muddy, sweaty lips. Yum.

6. It’s The Best Way To Train For A Tough Mudder Full

If you’ve got your sights set on a Full, and the 5K seems like child’s play, then the Half should obviously make its way into your training plan. It’ll give you a leg up on some of the obstacles, so that when the Full comes, you’ll have the other stuff mastered.

So what are you waiting for? Find your event and get training.

A New Year. For most it’s a chance for fresh starts, resolutions and healthy diets but for Mudders far and wide it holds a special kind of promise.

5 Things You Need to Know About Obstacle Unveil 2018

If there is one thing that Tough Mudder is known for (after the crazy mud and orange headbands) it’s obstacle innovation, and the announcement of brand new obstacles stokes a fire under Mudder Nation like nothing else.

So as you wait patiently for the all important details here are the five most important things you need to know about what is to come in January 2018.

1. January 11th 2018 is The Date

Clear your schedule, take the day off work, and prepare your eyes for a feast of information and newness on this very special day. Have toughmudder.com open and every social media platform possible near your face because you’re going to want to see this and then you’re going to want to share it.

Pro tip: Write this date down now. Google Calender it. Set a phone reminder. You wouldn’t want to forget.

2. Brand New Obstacles

For months TMHQ has been abuzz with new ideas, there have been drawings and renderings, designs and redesigns and a whole bunch of testing and finally…FINALLY on January 11th 2018 we can reveal to the world our Brand. New. Obstacles. 

That means if you’ve booked your ticket for 2018 you can expect to take on obstacles that have never been seen on course before. Think we might have lost our touch? There’s a reason we’re considered the biggest and bestest in the world.

3. The Vault will be Emptied

It’s all been pretty cloak-and-dagger so far, some fuzzy videos, a crazy hacker and a handful of leaked secret files.

Let us clear things up a little. The Vault, which is filled to the brim with classic Tough Mudder obstacle designs has been opened and come January we will be asking you to vote for your favorites.

And the winners? Well they might just be making an appearance on course in 2018.

4. More Legionnaire Exclusives

If you bleed orange you deserve unique challenges that are on course just for you. They will require skill, experience and fearlessness which is exectly why we know the Legionnaires can handle it.

 

5. Something BIG is Coming

The fun doesn’t stop in January either. We’re cooking up a monumental, global announcement that will knock you off your feet, and give you something to look forward to once the excitement of obstacle unveil has passed.

Excited for 2018 already? Book your spot in the mud today.

There’s not much better than facing challenging obstacles, knee-high mud, volts of electricity, nerve-wracking heights and everything else Tough Mudders throw at you with your friends by your side—or is there? What if you could throw down at a Tough Mudder, then check out a farm-to-table restaurant in the Hudson Valley or hop on a paddle board at Tahoe? What if recovery looked like an acai bowl in Miami Beach or a slow hike overlooking Arizona’s Grand Canyon? What if the after party was (almost) as fun as the main event (Tough Mudder, that is)? Spoiler alert: there’s something even better than a Tough Mudder, and that’s running a Tough Mudder in one of these epic locations. Your top 5 Tough Mudder designations await.

1. Hudson Valley, New York

Hudson Valley is only 90 minutes outside of the bustle and noise of New York City, but it feels like a world away. A National Geographic Traveler “top 20 must-see destinations in the world,” the Hudson Valley is an oasis of gorgeous vistas, plentiful hiking trails, difficult climbs, organic farm stands, and cozy bed-and-breakfasts. Extending 150 miles between Manhattan and Albany, the Hudson Valley is a 10-county region that offers almost more outdoor activities than there are dining options, which says a lot, since the valley is home to local cuisine. Get on the Appalachian Trail, founded in 1923, for a taste of the 2,200 mile-long route, or try a wetter kind of adventure by kayaking the Hudson with Mountain Tops Kayaking. Want to practice your grip-strength? Head to the Mohonk Preserve to try sport climbing—the preserve gets 80,000 climbing visitors each year. Post-workout, refuel at Miss Lucy’s Kitchen, a farm-to-table restaurant featuring dishes like Northwind Farm Turkey Confit Pot Pie, or get ready for your Tough Mudder with a pre-event meal like Coconut Carrot French Toast at The Love Bites Cafe. Looking to crash at a place that feels like home? Barclay Heights Bed & Breakfast at Smythe House is your home-away-from-home a la Victorian Cottage. Enjoy a chef-prepared breakfast, a comfortable room, and a jacuzzi to relax after giving it your all out on course. Convinced? Sign up HERE. 

2. Miami

Miami is one of Florida’s, let alone the world’s, top vacation spots, which makes it the perfect destination for a Tough Mudder, followed up by a true beach vacation. Start your trip with a bang (preferably after you’ve toughed it out on course) by visiting Key West, an island known for margaritas, white sand beaches, and seven-toed cats, thanks to famed author Ernest Hemingway’s home—a great museum visit in its own right. Back on the mainland, explore the Biscayne Maritime Heritage Trail to learn more about the park’s six shipwrecks (and yes, you can snorkel around the base of Fowey Rocks Lighthouse.) Is the beach more your style? Amble down to Haulover Beach Park, this year’s New Times “Best of Miami Beach” winner. Looking to come home with a tan (we know you’re pale under all of that compression gear)? If you park between lifeguard towers 12 and 16, you’re beached at the top-clothing optional spot in the United States. It’s your call what you do with that information. After you’ve worked up an appetite, head to Doa for a mouth-watering taste of just how good ceviche (that’s marinated raw fish) can be. For a cheap and authentic meal, head to El Palacio de los Jugos, an outdoor food market featuring everything from arepas to tamales to yucas fritas. Pair it with juiced guava or pineapple or a coco frio and you’re good to go. Convinced? Sign up HERE. 

3. Tahoe

Tahoe happens to be the largest alpine lake in the United States. Add to that the fact that it has stunning hiking, powder-perfect ski slopes, and even decent night life and Tahoe is pretty much as good as it gets. Throw in a Tough Mudder and you’re really living the dream. Post-Mudder, head to Emerald Bay State Park, one of the prettiest views in Tahoe, and perhaps all of California. Take a dip in the water (you know ice baths are good for your muscles!) or head to Vikingsholm Trail, a one-mile hike that leads to a 38-room Scandinavian mansion. Looking for a longer way to shake out the legs? Check out Five Lakes, a local favorite for its views of five pristine alpine lakes—all to be seen within a day.  If you’d rather get out onto the water (not to mention work on that upper body strength), try out SUP Tahoe to paddle board your way around the lake (or part of it, at least.) After a day outside, fuel up at Tahoe’s south shore. Located in Heavenly Village, Base Camp Pizza Co. is the perfect pick for a heartier meal; for veggie enthusiasts, try Driftwood Cafe for a healthy selection of sandwiches, salads, soups, omelettes and waffles. To cap off the night, head to Cold Water Brewery & Grill for a locally made cold one. Convinced? Sign up HERE. 

4. Arizona

When you think of Arizona, what do you imagine? If your answers are cactus and scorching sun, you’re right, but the Grand Canyon State is incredibly diverse. Crush your Tough Mudder in Phoenix, then head north to the South Rim of Grand Canyon National Park. Feeling up for a tough hike? Bring plenty of water and nutrition, then hike out on the South Kaibab Trail for views of the Colorado River, almost a mile below. Looking for other options that aren’t so, well, large? You can’t beat Sedona for its red slick rock and countless hiking trails. One great option is the West Fork Oak Creek Canyon Trail. Surrounded by shading pines and following a pleasant creek, this 6-mile round-trip hike is the perfect reprieve. Not looking to stray far from the Mudder course? South Mountain is a nearby park and preserve that Phoenix locals head to when they’re looking to get their workout on. Tired and hungry? You’re never far from good food, not matter where in the state you are. In Flagstaff, head to Diablo Burger for grass-fed burgers unlike any you’ve tired before; in Phoenix, check out Pizzeria Bianco, proclaimed “bucket list pizza.” No matter your taste, you really can’t go wrong with this destination. Convinced? Sign up HERE. 

5. Kentucky

Kentucky is home to more than just horses, farms, and beautiful rolling hills—in fact, you’re missing out if you solely spend your time at the famous Kentucky Derby. Post-Mudder, don your hiking boots and check out Mammoth Cave National Park, which is part of the world’s longest known cave system. Take a cave tour, then head out on any of the 84 miles of trail in the park. Not into caves? The Red River Gorge offers sandstone arches, cliffs, and a myriad of outdoor activities, like kayaking, biking, hiking, and camping. Looking to relax a little more? Take the Kentucky Bourbon Trail to learn everything you never knew (and some) about bourbon, or sip wine as you tour Kentucky’s vineyards—home to the first commercial vineyard in the country. For an upscale meal that is every bit delicious as it is historic, visit Dudley’s on Short. Located in a circa-1889 Northern Bank Building, the restaurant offers dishes like Buttermilk Fried Chicken Skin, Brown Sugar Roasted Pumpkin Bisque, and Wilted Brussel Sprouts Salad. In the mood for something a little more casual (and a lot more social, given the number of new friends you’ve made during your latest Tough Mudder)? Try Smoketown U.S.A., which, as the name implies, is the best place to go for all of your smoked meat needs. What better way to celebrate another Mudder in the bank than with soul food cooking? Convinced? Sign up HERE. 

Welcome to Tough Mudder Las Vegas 2017, aka Tough Mudder Sin City, aka Tough Mudder Slots, Swimming Pools, And The Strip, aka Tough Mudder This Isn’t Even The Toughest Event We Hosted Here (World’s Toughest Mudder is).

But don’t take that to mean Lake Las Vegas’ going to be anything but tough. The mud might be a bit on the dusty side, but the course is long and the rocks are rough. All those obstacles, all that tough – whether you’re preparing for Tough Mudder or Tough Mudder Half, you’re bound to find one hell of a weekend out on the course.

To help you prep for your jaunt to the City of Lights, we’ve put together a helpful guide on some of the best places to eat, stay, and adventure, good for whether you’re looking for something to keep you loose before race day, or basking in the afterglow of another event well run.

The all-you-can-eat buffet at the Golden Nugget. That’s it. Just kidding (mostly, we won’t judge).

Let’s face it – in a town like Las Vegas, one of your best bets for a healthy food option is definitely going to be sushi. Fortunately, there’s any number of sushi joints all over. Off the strip, Yama Sushi is a local favorite that does all-you-can eat rolls (see? The Golden Nugget isn’t all wrong). At the Palazzo, you’ll find SUSHISAMBA, an innovative restaurant offering sushi, as well as Brazilian and Peruvian options. And Sushi Roku, located in Caesars, offers gluten-free sushi options.

And for a vegan eating option, try Wynn Las Vegas. Every one of their restaurants offers vegan and vegetarian options for the meatless Mudders among us.

This first one works as both Stay and Adventure, so don’t be afraid to double down on this recommendation. The Westin Las Vegas Hotel and Casino actually runs (literally) a program called RunWESTIN, which is, in essence, a handy map for how to get a good run in when you’re trapped inside all the glitz and glamor on the strip. Plus, they’ve got beds and pools and stuff too.

And the Westin Lake Las Vegas Hotel offers all the same amenities, plus a heaping helping of watersports. Weren’t expecting to do some stand-up paddle boarding while lounging around the City of Sin? We were surprised too.

Hilton Lake Las Vegas, like Westin above, will keep you close to course, and offers some of its own built-in adventures. There’s a golf course, hiking trails, and even access to fishing and bike rental.

Beyond that, well – it’s the normal Las Vegas fare. All the hotels along the strip will cost you a pretty penny, while dropping back a street or two will keep your coffers a little more well-stocked. For additional event lodging closer to Tough Mudder Las Vegas, check out these options.

It’s Las Vegas. If you can’t find an adventure or three, you’re just not doing it right. But for those Mudders looking to keep their pulse pumping away from course, here’s a quick handful of things to keep the mud-seeker inside satiated.

While Las Vegas is known for its sinning and insane city life, the city itself is a fairly confined place, and the surrounding desert offers plenty of high- and low-speed adventuring. Arizona Hot Spring is a nice respite from the glitz, and brings the added bonus of some warm water (mind the smell). And Valley of Fire State Park is the oldest and largest in Nevada. Really, outside of the city itself, there’s an absolutely insane amount of natural beauty to be taken advantage of, especially in the greater Lake Mead and Lake Las Vegas area.

Now, for an adventure unique to Vegas itself, why not take a ride with Wild West Horseback Adventure? Breakfast ride, lunch ride, sunset dinner ride – they’ve got trails and treats for every experience level and preference.

Located just below the Hoover Dam, Black Canyon has a plethora of views and experiences for the mudless Mudder. Black Canyon/Willow Beach River Adventures offer raft tours, whether for a small handful of adventure seekers or the whole team, and if you’d rather tool around on your own, you can always get wet with a kayak.

If you’re looking for something a little more on the romantic end of things, Gondola Adventures will provide you a dusk and dinner experience on Lake Las Vegas.

And if you’re committed to seeing as much of Las Vegas and Nevada as possible, and if you’re the kind of Mudder unafraid of really getting up there, Adventure Helicopter Tours Las Vegas will take you here, there, and anywhere you want to go. Just don’t forget your earmuffs.

For gear that covers every need–from the sky, to the water, and even underground, check out Merrell’s new 2017 line.

Join us as Coach takes on the Music City, joining local Legionnaires and taking fitness and fun to famous Nashville landmarks. In this episode of Coachified we tackle the Music City, doing everything from blasting quads at Titans’ Stadium, to partying all night on Broadway.

Subscribe to our YouTube channel for updates on the newest event videos, obstacle and workout tips.

Welcome to Tough Mudder Nashville 2017, aka Tough Mudder Honky Tonks And Hot Chicken, aka Tough Mudder Country Music On Every Corner, aka Tough Mudder Tennessee Mud So Deep You’ll Lose Your Feet. Nashville’s also home to our newest event, Tough Mudder 5K. You ready?

Don’t though. Lose your feet that is. You’ll need em’ after all for when you’re pounding over obstacles and slogging through all that Tennessee mud and tough at Neal Farms. Whether you’re loading up for a shot at Tough Mudder or Tough Mudder Half (or the Next. Big. Thing. Tough Mudder 5k, premiering this season right in the heart of Nashville), you’ll need every ounce of energy you can muster before you take it to the course.

To help you prep for your jaunt to the Music City, we’ve put together a helpful guide on some of the best places to eat, stay, and adventure, good for whether you’re looking for something to keep you loose before race day, or basking in the afterglow of another event well run.

The mud is deep and the chicken is hot, hot, hot. Of course, you can get the milder version – of the chicken, that is – if you don’t come equipped with an iron stomach, but we know most Mudders don’t do things halfway – it’s all the way, or no way. It’s the hottest chicken known to man, or it’s a trip to the corner store for a cold bottle of milk. All. Or nothing.

If you’re thinking All for your trip to Nashville, try a quick trip to the original, Prince’s Hot Chicken Shack. Prince’s has been churning out Nashville’s signature hot chicken since the 1930’s. Get medium if you want just a taste of the heat. Get the extra hot if you’re ok with spending the rest of the day curled up in a ball in the corner lapping gently at that milk, preferably served in a bowl because even lifting your head hurts your tastebuds.

Hattie B’s is the go-to for out-of-towners. Not that it’s solely a tourist spot, but they do a much better job of keeping the long line out front moving and the spice isn’t quite the same knock-you-to-the-floor kind of hot as Prince’s.

Of course, it wouldn’t be a proper Nashville trip without some BBQ. Go whole-hog at the whole-hog gem, Martin’s, or do, well, the same at Jack’s. Like the names, these joints keep their bar-b-que deliciously simple. Emphasis on delicious.

For a couple of healthier options, try The Wild Cow for a laid-back atmosphere and some vegetarian and vegan options, or Coco Greens, where you can get a fresh-pressed juice or smoothie and then a full-body massage.

Bonus: For the best burger you’ve ever hard, head to Pharmacy Burger. It’s simple. Delicious. Nashville to the core.

Where to stay, where to stay. Being a Mudder means making the most of everyday, and, more specifically, every single experience. If a Mudder’s got to run to the store, guess what? They’re going to do it in a way only a Mudder can. Planning to catch some Z’s before or after a romp in the mud at Tough Mudder Nashville? Same idea.

When it comes to picking a place to stay on your trip to Nashville, the choices really boil down to location, location, location.

If you’re looking to be close to course, all without breaking the bank, or traveling too far from the event, check out The Hyatt Place Downtown.

A little closer into the heart of the city, but still outside all of the lights and sounds, the Gaylord Opryland Resort and Convention Center offers a wide variety of amenities including golf, a trio of outdoor pools, and plenty of activities to keep Mudders, young and old alike, occupied. Plus, you’ll be just 10 short minutes from the airport.

But if you’ve got to, just got to, be where the action is, downtown Nashville offers plenty of options. Hotel Indigo Nashville is located in Printer’s Alley, and has live music (a general theme in the Music City) 7 nights a week. And The Hilton Garden Inn Downtown will have you within walking distance of Broadway, Bridgestone Arena, and the very heart of Nashville.

If you’re looking for lodging for Tough Mudder 5k, click here for great options.

Nashville is about as “destination” as destinations get. It’s a destination’s destination if you will. There’s more unique experiences to be had here than there are muddy memories to be found out on the course (Ok, ok. That’s not true. But it’s close. Or at least closer than you’d think. And technically, anything you do during a Tough Mudder weekend is a muddy memory. So – there.).

Speaking of muddy memories, Nashville is home to our newest event: Tough Mudder 5K. We’re bringing Tough straight to your front door — Nissan Stadium’s front door, that is. It’s the best of Tough, packed into 5 short K’s.

And speaking of small, let’s talk about big – The Country Music Hall of Fame is a must for any trip to The Music City. The massive monument to country isn’t just about the twang though – you’ll find out about all kinds of music history.

The Ryman Auditorium and The Grand Ole Opry play home to live shows from some of the bigger acts that come to pay homage to Nashville. You’ll find plenty more musical history hiding in the hidden spaces of these two venerable venues.

The Parthenon, built in 1897, is a full-scale replica of its Athenian forebear. Today, it’s an art museum and the crown jewel of Centennial Park. And Centennial Park, located just across the street from the Vanderbilt University campus, is 132 acres of green grass and fun. You can even catch a rendition of “Shakespeare in the Park” if you come on the right weekend.

And if all else fails (and really, even if it doesn’t) make sure you put aside a night to go walking on Broadway, aka Honky Tonk Highway. The honky tonks will be bustlin’, the party will be in full swing, and you won’t be able to tell for sure whether you’re in Vegas or Nashville. Gear up for logging plenty of miles with Merrell’s new 2017 collection.

Eat. Adventure. Stay.

Seattle might have a reputation for being rainy nine months of the year, but you better believe that summer is worth the (usually) grey skies of fall, winter, and spring. The birthplace of coffee, grunge, and big companies like Amazon, Microsoft and Boeing, Seattle is a thriving city and the perfect playground for your Tough Mudder Full or Half. Held at the Palmer Coking Coal Company, get ready to run through gravel pits, wade through mud, and test your limits in the Pacific Northwest.

Here’s how to make the most your time in this northwest gem, before and after the event:

Seattle has no shortage of good food, and its location in the Northwest means that restaurants tend to use fresh  ingredients that feature local specialties like wild-caught salmon, briny oysters, dark coffee, and, in the summer, produce. Get ready to fuel up for event weekend with a stroll through the famous Pike Place Market. Feast your eyes on stall after stall of bright red peppers, massive Honeycrisp apples, and ripe berries. Alternatively, taste-test raw honey, Chukar cherries, and creative pasta flavors like Dark Chocolate Linguine or Lavender Fettucine from Pappardelle’s Pasta. While the market has enough options for a week’s worth of meals, don’t forget to check out the stores along Pike Place. Piroshky Piroskhy serves baked buns, stuffed with meat, vegetables, and cheese, along with an array of sweet treats, while you can get your coffee fix at the original Starbucks on the corner of 1st and Pike. The alleys around this area are just as appealing, and more amazing food is quite literally just around the corner. Pike Place Chowder serves award-winning Seafood Bisque and Smoked Salmon Chowder, or try their Market Chowder featuring the catch of the day. While we don’t recommend you check out the colorful Gum Wall, just around the corner, before you eat, it’s the perfect spot for memorable team photos; we’ll leave it up to you on whether to contribute or not.

For those looking for a slower-pace, check out The Pink Door, a popular Italian restaurant that is entered from–you guessed it–a pink door. Opened in 1981, it’s a classic establishment that locals will even recommend. Think of it as pre-race carb loading, Or, if you need a reason to indulge, save it for after your Tough Mudder. You’ve earned it.

For a high-brow option–because you deserve it after running 12 miles–you can’t beat the views from the top of the Seattle Space Needle. Enjoy your dinner from 605 feet above the city at the SkyCity Restaurant. Enjoy the tastes of the Northwest with wild greens–a salad using mountain huckleberry and Oregon blue cheese–or wild mushroom risotto–highlighting seasonal chanterelle mushrooms. At the observation deck, enjoy a 360 degree view of Seattle’s cityscape or, if you’re lucky, catch a sunset.

If you’re flying in or out of Seattle and need a place to eat, you’re in luck. The famous 13 Coins, a diner of the highest calibre (and we don’t say that lightly), is tucked between airport hotels. Sit at the bar to watch chefs flame-broil a steak, or catch their live music on Fridays and Saturdays. Either way, you can’t go wrong.

Post-race, take a chill pill and relax downtown. The Seattle Art Museum, affectionately known as SAM, is only a few blocks from Pike Place Market and highlights artists from around the world. Their ongoing Australian Aboriginal and Native American collections are especially compelling. Or, visit the Olympic Sculpture Park, a 20 minute walk away from SAM, to see unique designs for free.

If it happens to be raining, duck into the Museum of Pop Culture for an afternoon of music at the Sound Lab, where visitors can take a lesson or record a song in soundproof rooms, try their hand at DJing, or having a family marimba jam-sesh with your kids. Those who grew up in the 90s will especially appreciate the Nirvana exhibit, which pays homage to Seattle’s grunge history. Those who remember Jimi Hendrix will equally enjoy the gallery that features the Purple Haze singer’s music.

Looking to get out and explore a little more? Nearby Discovery Park offers a roughly 4-mile loop for biking, running, or simply enjoying the view of Puget Sound, but the park itself is 534 acres in size and is a oasis for wildlife–within city limits.

Ready for another adrenaline rush? Check out Skydive Snohomish for some truly heart-pounding action. Rated as one of the top six places to skydive in the world (and the only location in North America), you’ll get the best views of Pacific Northwest as you fall back to earth.

For those who like to round off a trip with some shopping, head downtown. Meanwhile, boutique-lovers can check out Ballard, a nearby neighborhood that quickly become one of the trendier areas. Conveniently located between the Space Needle and Pike Place Market is Belltown, which is best suited to those who love art. Check out the Seattle Glassblowing Studio, which provides a 30-minute “Blow Your Own Glass” class by appointment, with options to make bowls, sea floats, or paperweights.

Whatever you decide to do, before, during, and after your event, make sure you gear up with Merrell’s new 2017 line.

For a budget-friendly option, you can’t beat the location of the Green Tortoise Hostel, located across from bustling Pike Place, and you really can’t beat the price either. Additionally, the hostel offers free walking tours that take you to the best places around town (Pike Place, here we come). Or, check out the Beneath the Streets tour that quite literally takes you underneath the streets and back into Seattle’s past.

For those who prefer forgoing the bunking experience, the Belltown Inn provides both comfort and convenience at a decent rate. Bonus: bikes are available to borrow at any time and are especially handy if you don’t have a car (or simply don’t want to deal with difficult parking.) Then again, the location means you’re only ever a 10 minute walk from downtown, Pike Place, or the Space Needle.

Think that Pike Place is all about food? Think again. The Inn at the Market is the only hotel located directly inside Pike Place, which already sets the standards high for this hotel. Most rooms offer views of the Puget Sound, and the patio provides the perfect backdrop to watch the sun sink below the horizon at night. While rooms are a splurge, most find the convenient location well worth the high price tag.

Looking for lodging closer to the venue? Check out these options here.