83,029 Mudders have grabbed their tickets for 2021 and waves are filling up. Here’s a rundown on how we’re planning to manage events and keep you safe in the new year. 

If you’re itching to get outside and get back to your favorite Tough Mudder obstacle course, we’ve got news for you: things are looking good for 2021. 

And you’re not alone– 83,029 Mudders have already reserved their spot for 2021. Start waves are filling up fast, make sure to read through for the full rundown on how we’re planning our return to a full season in the mud for next year. 

GREAT NEWS ON VACCINES

The past week has seen great news from Pfizer and Moderna on the effectiveness of new vaccines that could be in distribution as early as December.  By the time our season kicks off in April, vaccinations will be well underway and Dr. Anthony Fauci noted last week in an interview that we’re likely to see life start to return to normal in April. 

The good news doesn’t stop there. A new study out this week shows that immunity to the virus for those that have already recovered or been vaccinated will likely last years– so once you’ve been vaccinated, you’ll be good for the long haul. 

We’re tracking promising innovations on the testing front too. Rapid tests are commonly available now, and can return results in under 15 minutes.  Several companies are working on even faster saliva- and breathing-based tests that you’ll be able to self-administer. 

We know we’re not out of the woods yet as far as COVID is concerned– and we all have to do our part over the next several months to make it through the winter.  Please be smart, wear your mask, practice distancing and take your training virtual or in safe settings. 

But on the other side of this is a 2021 Tough Mudder season that we’re feeling pretty damn excited about. 

BEING OUTDOORS IS THE BEST PLACE YOU CAN BE

Even as COVID-19 begins to be eradicated in 2021, we’re still laying in detailed plans to make sure we can keep you safe.  Studies over the past several months have continued to demonstrate that socially-distanced outdoor athletic activity is incredibly low risk– lower than some of our normal everyday activities (grocery shopping, outdoor dining, etc.). 

Endurance events are coming back online around the world, including Tough Mudder events in the Middle East and many triathlons, running races and obstacle courses here in the United States. With modifications to encourage distancing, reduce touchpoints and allow for thorough cleaning, the endurance industry is proving that being outside and moving is certainly much better for your health than being stuck behind your computer all day. 

NEW PLANS TO KEEP YOU SAFE

Early in COVID, we assembled an internal task force to map out modifications to our events to ensure that when we returned to the mud, we could do it safely.  Earlier this summer, we announced we were removing on-site cash collection in favor of a flat parking and bag drop fee charged at the time of ticket purchase. Not only is that saving you an average of $20 per person compared to prior years, but it will reduce lines and waits and streamline your arrival experience. You can read more on our anticipated COVID measures here. 

CAPACITY IS LIMITED– AND WAVES ARE BOOKING FAST

The other big change we’re rolling out is limits to the size of our start waves, to ensure we can manage the number of people on the course and in the festival area to comply with local regulations and allow enough space for adequate distancing. Prior to the 2021 season, you would have registered for a Tough Mudder event, and we would have assigned a start wave to you a few weeks prior to event day. Now you’ll have complete freedom and control to select your desired time at the time you register. 

How does this work?

• We’ve limited capacity to a fixed amount of people per hour, and you’ll be able to select your start time window in hour ranges when you purchase your ticket. 
• You’ll want to get your team together and ensure they all purchase the same time window as you to ensure you can start together. 
• Providing there’s available inventory, you’ll be able to transfer your ticket between start waves prior to event day. If you’re transferring to a more expensive ticket, you may need to pay the price difference. 
• Ticketholders who purchased prior to November 2020 will have a window starting the week of December 7th to select their start time, those who don’t select their start time will get automatically placed in later waves and can self-transfer later. We’re holding specific spots for existing ticketholders and passholders.
• START WAVES WILL SELL OUT.  We may be able to open up additional space closer to the event based on final plans with local governments, but plan for you and your crew to book early to confirm the time you want. 

Want more info on the new start time program? Check out the FAQ here. 

We’ve had a busy extended off-season at TMHQ, and have a whole slate of exciting new announcements rolling out over the next few months. We’re overhauling many of our obstacles, launching new training programs and if you want a sneak peek, check out the new shop.toughmudder.com.

We’re full steam ahead for 2021– and we can’t wait to see you there. Earning that finish is going to feel even better next year after conquering 2020.  Time to get off the couch and commit to a new challenge, and we’ll meet you at the finish line with an ice cold, well-deserved beer.

2020 may have been it’s own obstacle course, but we’re fully in 2021 mode.

We’ve got a full line-up of events on the calendar for next year, and for our most dedicated Mudders who are looking to go all-in, our brand-new upgraded VIP passes have just launched. 

Packed with perks, our new season passes are perfect for the dedicated Tough Mudder legionnaire who values the insider access, year round discounts, and new exclusive gear to show off at the event. 

Looking to upgrade your Tough Mudder season? You’ve got three options to choose from:

• REGIONAL Pass: Includes five 5k or Classic registrations in one of these areas:
  • US – Northeast:  Boston, Tri-State, Long Island, Philly, DC
  • US – Midwest: Chicago, Twin Cities, Michigan, Indiana, Missouri
  • US – West Coast:  Seattle, LA-Tejon, LA-Glen Helen, NorCal, Denver
• SEASON PASS: Unlimited 5k or Classic registrations in North America
• ALL ACCESS PASS: Full and total access to any Tough Mudder event, any distance, any country, all year long. 

The more you use your season pass, the better the value.  On top of great access to our 2021 event calendar, passholders are in for a whole new suite of added benefits this year, including:

• Merchandise Credits: Cash to use in the new ToughMudderGear.com store to get outfitted for the season. 
• Merchandise Discount: You’ll want more gear throughout the year– and you can get it at great passholder-only pricing. 
• Complimentary Spectator & Kids Entries: Bring the whole family along– passholders will get one complimentary Mudder Village ticket or Mini Mudder ticket every time they redeem their pass. 

As our top tier of loyal Legionnaires– Season Passholders and All Access Passholders get even more perks:

• Dedicated Customer Service: A private email address reserved for passholders, getting you guaranteed 1-business day response times on your customer service needs. 
• Digital Access to Tough Mudder Challenges: Expanding in 2021, passholders will get complimentary digital access to Tough Mudder Challenges, with the option to upgrade for the gear. 
• Passholder Gear Kit: No better way to show off your loyalty than with the exclusive 2021 Season Passholder event bib, a branded dry bag to keep your valuable secure at the event, and our 2021 North America season wall map to keep track of your accomplishments. 
• Companion Ticket Discounts: Bringing friends or family to enjoy the event with you? You’ll get 10% off your first five companions on 5k or Classic in 2021. 
• Exclusive Access & Events: Previews, pre-sales, merchandise launches, and on-event special hospitality are just a few of the special perks we’ve got in store. 

The 2021 Tough Mudder season is cleared for takeoff– and what better way to experience your return to the mud than as a true VIP? 

Don’t miss out– secure your VIP pass today and commit to a whole year of crushing goals and conquering obstacles.

Life with a beard is meant to be enjoyed, but that means sometimes it gets dirty, really dirty — just ask the men of Mudder Nation. Tough Mudder is celebrating those who aren’t afraid to get down and dirty by partnering with men’s grooming leader Wahl on the ‘Wahl Kiss of Mud Beard Contest’ during the September – European Road Trip Challenge.

How to Enter

Between September 1-22, 2020 tackle the Kiss of Mud Challenge, then share your best muddy-to-clean beard Before & After photos to Facebook or Instagram using #WahlKissOfMud. Be sure to also follow and tag both @tough_mudder and @Wahlgrooming. See Official Rules for more details.

The top Before & After photos of muddy-to-clean beards will win cash prizes: 1st place takes home $1,000, 2nd place gets $400, 3rd place walks with $200, and 4th place adds $150 to their wallet. The top four winners, along with six runners up, will also receive a prize pack of Wahl beard care products.

Get Winning Whiskers

It’ll take more than a muddy mug to get you noticed in this contest. In addition to the creativity of your Before & After photos, we’re looking for well-groomed whiskers. To ensure a dramatic beard transformation, Wahl offers the following tips:

Leash the beast

Facial hair can be like a wild animal and must be tamed accordingly. Keep it neat with a good trimmer, Wahl’s Lithium Ion Stainless Steel Trimmer is wrapped in a sleek armor, delivers a 6-hour runtime and with a series of interchangeable heads it’s an all-in-one grooming arsenal.

Take a Fresh Approach

The hair on your face is different from the hair on your head, so don’t reach for any old shampoo. Wahl’s beard wash has no irritants and won’t strip away the moisture needed for healthy whiskers and skin. 

Get in Good Condition

Once your beard is clean, it takes mere seconds to deep condition it with Wahl’s beard softener. It has special ingredients that penetrate the coarse whiskers and soften them from within. 

Stay Strong

Last, but certainly not least, the most critical product for healthy facial hair is beard oil. It’s the finishing touch for a shiny and polished looking beard.

Get more grooming tips and tools at WahlUSA.com, or follow @WahlGrooming on social media.

Every day, I get to speak to people, brands, the media– and tell them about how incredible the Tough Mudder community is. For 10 years, what has differentiated Tough Mudder from everyone else is the same foundation of what we were built on– that teamwork is more important than winning, that courage is better than speed, and that leaving no Mudder behind is a mandate, not a buzz-phrase.

Finding the words to describe the commitment and engagement of the Tough Mudder community is not easy– you have to see it and experience it to really understand it.  It’s maybe best represented by the 20,000 of you sporting a Tough Mudder tattoo on your body, those that have dedicated rooms in your homes with ornate displays of headbands, or the numerous groups who gather regularly to run, train, party and support each other like a family. 

As we’ve told the Tough Mudder story over the years, the term “tribe” has often found its way into the vernacular in an effort to characterize the loyalty and camaraderie of our global following. It was in the title of our founder’s book, “It Takes a Tribe” and interwoven into how we referred to ourselves across content channels.  We weren’t alone in that– Google the term “tribe + marketing” and see the multitude of results about tribal marketing, targeting tribes, consumer tribes & their behaviour, etc. 

I do monthly livestreams with our ambassadors– a chance for us to share brand and product updates, get live time feedback, and spend quality time engaging with the community. In a recent livestream, I was describing a new community platform we’re building (more to come on that later), that at the time we were planning to call TRIBES. Well-intentioned, and a way for us to give a bigger voice and presence to all of the micro groups that exist within our larger global community. 

One of our ambassadors reached out to me afterward, and quite politely encouraged us to do some research on the the history behind the word “tribe,” and reconsider using it in our products and marketing.  What that one suggestion launched was exactly the type of learning, growth and change that we want to be able to achieve. 

For those unfamiliar, as many of our team were, use of “tribes” dates back to the European colonization of Africa, crafting stereotypes to marginalize African cultures and depict them as uncivilized and savage. The negative connotations carry over into the US, where a long history of violence and marginalization of indigenous peoples is still very much apparent today.  Government bureaucratic systems refer to “tribes” of native and indigenous groups for official recognition, where many choose to maintain their identity as a “nation,” befitting of the unique culture, independence and respect that it commands.  If you’d like to further educate yourself, I encourage you to read this helpful reference guide from tolerance.org.

The last several weeks have seen a rapid awakening of many in the sports world looking at their portrayal, appropriation and reference to indigenous cultures.  The Dirty Kanza gravel bike race is getting a new name, as are Ocoee Bikes and the Washington NFL franchise. Over the past few weeks, we’ve worked diligently to scrub our marketing and channels, and eliminate “tribes” from our vocabulary moving forward. While our past use of “tribe” was never intended to offend or marginalize, we now recognize the painful history behind it and how uninformed we were about the origins and connotations of the term. 

As we committed earlier in June, we’ve embarked on a thorough review, learning and listening process that will be an ongoing and permanent part of our commitment to our community. The next iteration of that is a new set of community guidelines.  Creating safe spaces for people of all backgrounds, races, origins, orientations, religions and abilities to push their physical and mental boundaries is a mandatory for us– and for the first time, we’ve taken to putting in writing the behavior and respect we expect from our participants, partners, volunteers and team, and what you can in turn expect from us. 

These new community guidelines will become a part of our registration process, volunteer training, staff hiring, and the selection of the brands we partner with. And to ensure they’re not just words– we’re simultaneously building the mechanisms to address concerns swiftly when speech or actions that don’t fit within these guidelines is identified at our live events, virtual challenges or within our digital communities. 

This is just the beginning, and we have much further work to do.  A personal, heartfelt thank you to all of those who have written to me over the last few months to share your thoughts, feedback and criticisms of how we’re doing and where we can be better. I’m always happy to hear from our community– please drop me a note at [email protected] 

Kyle McLaughlin
Chief Executive Officer
Tough Mudder

Inspired by the new Amazon Original Series, World’s Toughest Race Coming to Prime Video August 14th!

By now you’ve climbed the elevation equivalent to that of the Grand Canyon. Next Tough Mudder Challenges is taking you to Fiji for the chance to take on some of the most challenging landmarks. These notable milestones that will push your mental and physical grit to the limit. 

When we think of Fiji, we think paradise. Images of relaxing on whitesand beaches, exploring lush landscapes, and meandering by boat ride along the Coral Coast comes to mind. Well, think again. In this Challenge, we will be exploring the least visited and most rugged terrain the country offers. It will mentally challenge all of your preconceived notions of what Fiji really is. 

In this 3 week journey, participants will have the opportunity to push their bodies and minds through grueling obstacles that encourage personal accomplishment. It all builds up to answer the question – could they survive a true expedition through Fiji? 

Challenge accepted? Here is your sneak peek into what’s ahead.

First, you will face the highest mountain in Fiji, Mount Tomanivi.

Next, you will take on Viti Levu, the country’s largest island.

After tackling Viti Levu, you will have to make your way by water to some of the 300 islands that make up Fiji.

Finally, you will come head to head with one of the Island’s most notable features – the waterfalls.50

While Mudder Nation takes on Tough Mudder Challenges – Fiji, adventurers and athletes from around the world will be participating in the most epic global adventure race ever attempted – World’s Toughest Race. In this Amazon Original Series, created by Mark Burnett, 66 teams descend upon Fiji in an 11-day expedition that pushes competitors to their physical and emotional limits. For the veteran teams the goal is to win – but for most, the dream it to finish and prove to themselves and the world, that they can prevail in the World’s Toughest Race.

Watch World’s Toughest Race, premiering Friday, August 14^th to follow the most physically and mentally demanding adventure race to date only on Prime Video 

To participate in Tough Mudder Challenges – Fiji, head to click here and join Mudder Nation in an epic 21 day off-course fitness journey.

Okay Challengers, we know you are out there crushing it and getting in your miles. But we also know that while you are definitely crushing each and every mile, some of you are still struggling with tracking Tough Mudder Challenges. As we’ve been pouring through your emails, feedback, and questions, we’ve noticed many of the same questions continually come up.

So with the help of one of our awesome Ambassadors, we put together a guide that will help you navigate the tech behind challenges so you can properly crush the challenge and your goals.

I can’t find the challenges, didn’t get an email, and I don’t know what to do.

July challenge instructions for the mandatory and optional challenges can be found at the following link. This link is updated weekly to show you the next set of optional challenges: https://toughmudder.wpengine.com/challenge-instructions-july/

What site do I use to track the optional challenges and the reps for Centurion? I can’t find it on FitRankings.

To track optional challenges and reps, you will not use Fit Rankings. You can utilize the same instructions page, that shows you all the challenges. Just scroll to the bottom of the page. Again, view this link: https://toughmudder.wpengine.com/challenge-instructions-july/

I did the above to get to the tracking page, but the page just keeps spinning.

The Tough Mudder interface that is linked with FitRankings, does not respond well to Internet Explorer. Try changing your browser to Chrome. 

The page has stopped spinning but I only see “?” and it’s asking me to purchase the challenge again. 

At the bottom of the page, where it asks you to “Buy” it also asks you to “Log In”. Just use the account information you created when you signed up. Once it logs you in, you will see all your progress to date.

I am logged in, but I still do not know how to log anything into the system! 

For tracking reps, optional challenges, or tracking mileage/elevation manually follow below:

1. Now that you are logged in, at the bottom of the page, press “ + Activity”

2. On the new page utilize the drop down menu, to select what challenge you are uploading for.

3. Input the necessary information and press “Save and Exit”

Example for Centurion:

Example for mileage and elevation:

For tracking runs and elevation automatically follow below:

1. Go to the FitRankings website: https://www.fitrankings.com/
2. In the upper right hand corner, press connect device

3. Only connect 1 device! Connecting multiple devices will cause issues
4. That is it! As long as you are connected when you complete a run/bike as long as your device is tracking when you complete the activity it will sync with fit rankings automatically and transfer over to your progress meters!

I did the above but my elevation didn’t upload! 

Using FitRankings, you might run into issues transferring elevation from some devices. If your elevation doesn’t transfer over follow the below instructions:

1. Log into FitRankings
2. Scroll in your feed until you see the activity that is missing elevation

3. Press “Edit Activity”, then add your elevation and press save! It will take a few minutes to sync to your progress trackers.

Does TMHQ recommend a device for syncing?

Yes, so far Strava is logging runs and elevation automatically. If you are able to do your activity with a phone on you, this will simplify your experience. You will only need to manually upload optional challenges, and reps using the instructions above.

How do I upload a video?

You cannot upload a video. So if you took a video, post it to the Tough Mudder North American Challenges Facebook group. Otherwise, take a screenshot from your video and post it when you log your activity.  

How do I upload a picture? (add pictures)

When you press “+ Activity” there is an option to drag, take or upload a photo. Once uploaded press “Save and Exit”. 

I’m not able to do any of this on the FitRankings App, what do I do?!

Do not utilize the Fit Rankings app, utilizing the webpage gives you the full experience so you can edit your activities if needed.

Do I have to upload pictures, I do not always have my phone on me when I complete a challenge?

You are not required to upload a picture, but it is recommended. When you take a picture you can upload it into the Facebook group and connect with your fellow Mudders. However, if you do not upload a picture that is okay. This is about challenging yourself and the honor system is being used. 

Last week the first ever Tough Mudder Challenge kicked off. If you’re not sure what we’re talking about then buckle in. Tough Mudder Challenges is our brand new 21 day virtual fitness adventure. These activities are designed to push your mind and body, just like our obstacle courses. You can take part in your own home or with friends. Plus, you have the chance to earn a brand new headband, the 2020 finisher t-shirt, a 10 year anniversary headband, and a monthly Challenge coin.

We’ve been incredibly impressed with the dedication and motivation of the first ever intake of Challengers who have faced this new fitness experience with the relish of…a group of Mudders who have been under lockdown and don’t have any events until 2021…

THE NUMBERS

Only one week in and Challengers around the world are stacking up some serious stats. We’re talking 60,940 miles of running, walking and cycling and 1,158,348 feet of elevation climbed. We’re doing this on stairs, hills, treadmills, and actual mountains. Likewise, who knows how many eggs have been downed. Seriously, guys, this was an optional activity…

View this post on Instagram

Considering it's an optional activity we've been pretty surprised by how many Challengers have chosen to try Down In One 😂🥚 #ToughMudderChallenges #ToughMudder

A post shared by Tough Mudder (@tough_mudder) on Jul 13, 2020 at 7:42am PDT

THE ACTION

There’s been A LOT of it and as usual Mudder Nation have approached each activity with their own style and creativity. For Graffeeti, Challengers were asked to ‘write’ the letters ‘T’ and ‘M’ on their run. Additionally, Mudders could go for the full ‘Tough Mudder’ if they want the extra ‘Level Up’.

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A BRAND NEW PLEDGE

Finally, a brand new Challenge calls for a brand new pledge and Challengers have certainly embraced it…

Want to get involved with the Tough Mudder Challenge chaos? You can still sign up for Tough Mudder Challenge – Grand Canyon or check out the upcoming virtual fitness adventure happening throughout 2020.

When was the last time you did something for the first time? 

New Tough Mudder Challenges are here. While many of you are gearing up and calling your crew, some of you may be wondering what exactly you’re committing to when you sign up for a Tough Mudder Challenge. 

Just like a Tough Mudder Classic or 5K, Tough Mudder Challenges are designed to push you physically and mentally, bring you together with other teammates, and hold you accountable to being the best version of yourself. 

When you sign up for a Tough Mudder Challenge, you are committing to three weeks of physical activities that will challenge your strength, endurance, and mental grit. 

What Will The Challenges Involve? 

When you sign up, you will receive information about the first 4 challenges. These are all mandatory activities that you will complete over the course of three weeks, with the option to level up (if you like a little extra burn). 

Then, each week, you will receive 4 more activities, 2 of which you choose to complete. This means that over the course of three weeks, you will complete 10 physical and mental challenges to earn that shiny new headband, a 10th anniversary headband, finisher tee, and a new challenges coin. 

What Do Participants Need?

While each challenge is created to require little to no equipment, it helps to have a few of the things listed below:

A Tracking App:

Tough Mudder Challenges are designed with FitRankings and pair well with most fitness trackers. Whether you use an Apple Watch, Fitbit, Galaxy Fit, Strava, or others, it’s important to track your progress, especially if you want that finisher headband. Each piece of the challenge comes with certain distance requirements so having a way to track your progress is key. 

Accountability:

While you don’t need a team to complete this challenge, it helps to have a friend or buddy to check in on your progress. We all have days we don’t want to push through the workout, but having somebody to check in on you will always make it a little easier. Join the Challenges group on Facebook, post your progress, and stay motivated for the length of this challenge. Or sign up with a friend and get tougher together.  

A Little Creativity:

Unlike other virtual races we’ve seen popping up recently, Tough Mudder Challenges take a different approach. Rather than simply running and tracking your miles, Tough Mudder Challenges poses activities that will push your mental and physical grit. They will push your endurance and even require your problem-solving skills. 

Each week in your inbox, you will find a new set of activities that are designed to push you in unique ways that are fun, engaging, and just a little bit sadistic. 

You might also want to stock your fridge with hot sauce, but more on that later. 

Happy Challenges, team. If you have not yet accepted your challenge, click “challenge accepted” below and make today the day you commit to trying something new.

We Are Tougher Together, Even While Apart.  

Mudder Nation, we miss seeing your beautiful, shining faces covered in mud. While we can’t be together right now on course, that doesn’t mean we can’t come together virtually to challenge ourselves. On June 6, we will be hosting a Tougher Together virtual challenge event that utilizes creativity, community, and connection. Register here.

What Is Tougher Together? 

Tougher Together is a 3 hour live event happening on Saturday June 6, from 1pm EST to 4PM EST. We’ll move through a series of home obstacle challenges, running, music, prizes, and fun. Make sure to sign up for Strava in advance so you can track your run and see how you match up against others. 

Who Can Join Thougher Together? 

Anybody can sign up for the Tougher Together live event. You don’t have to be a legionnaire or have previously completed a Tough Mudder. From Sean Corvelle’s start speech until the Happy Hour dance party and music from Coach T. Mud, all are welcome. 

Where Is It Happening?

Virtually, online, right here. We’re conducting the event via Zoom, where we will do challenges both on and off camera. Prizes, giveaways, competitive contests, music, dancing, and more are on the agenda, so come prepared and come ready to move. 

How Do I Participate?

Each obstacle can be made with ordinary household objects found in your living room, kitchen, junk drawer, and elsewhere. They require a short setup, so we encourage you to sign up in advance so you can have a headstart in completing the obstacles. Register here.

Want More?

If you are interested in participating, click here to register, sign the waiver, and lock in your spot. Once you have registered and are ready to CRUSH IT, you can scoot on over to this link for the full set of instructions, what you’ll need, and where you can access the online event. See you there, Mudder Nation.

Sign up here and don’t forget to share your challenges online with #TougherTogether.