Toughest Mudder is an 8-hour, overnight endurance race within the new Tough Mudder competitive series. For some, Toughest is a way to get a taste for/prepare for World’s Toughest Mudder, the 24-hour endurance race and pinnacle of the Tough Mudder season.

Ultrarunners may scoff at the idea of eight hours, but top finishers have been logging 40+ miles of obstacle running in the dark which is no easy feat. Fitness enthusiasts new to obstacle course racing are welcome to test the waters at Toughest Mudder a Support Crew of two people will help you between the 5-mile laps. With that said, you don’t need to bring as much food or gear with you to a Toughest as you would to World’s Toughest Mudder.

Each Toughest Mudder athlete is designated a space in the Drop Zone, roughly half of a table for holding backpacks/hard cases of gear necessary to withstand the eight hours. Unlike World’s Toughest Mudder, there aren’t tents at Toughest, so you and/or Support Crew will have to pack super efficiently to fit everything into a gear bag or two. Check out these 10 gear suggestions for conquering Toughest Mudder like a pro.

1.     2 Headlamps with Extra Batteries

A working headlamp is required on the Toughest course at all times. Make sure the headlamp is waterproof, as there are water obstacles that require your head to submerge underwater. Bring an extra with you just incase you happen to lose one on the plunge into Hang Time. The brighter the headlamp, the better, and Black Diamond, Princeton Tec, and Petzl all offer water high-powered, waterproof headlamps.

2.     Strobe Light

Another required accessory, a strobe light must be worn on the Toughest Mudder course, whether it’s on your apparel, arms, legs or clipped onto your hydration pack. A strobe light is a bright LED light that stays light for a long amount of time. Nathan Sports makes various strobe lights, and they offer one that’s rechargeable via USB.

3.     Windbreaker

A waterproof jacket that shields rain and strong winds may be needed depending on weather conditions. The Merrell Torrent Windbreaker is a great pick for a polyester, ripstop transition pit jacket.

4. Food

There’s food you’ll bring with on the course, then there’s food you’ll keep in the Drop Zone. Bring Vega Energy Gels with you on the course for 22 grams of carbohydrates and natural sugar from dates to keep you full. Potassium and sodium are just two of the electrolytes in these gluten-free packs. You’ll also want to carry a Vega Protein Snack Bar or two on the course, for 11 grams of plant-based protein, filling grains like quinoa sprouts,  and a plethora of fruits and vegetables including broccoli and beets.
In your pit gear bag, section off a compartment just for larger edible snacks such as meat jerky, almond butter packets, trail mix, and more protein bars. A ready to drink protein shake, such as the Vega Protein Shake, will be the most efficient way to intake a bunch of nutrients quickly.

5.     Wetsuit

Wetsuits are recommended but not required at a Toughest course. You’re either going to bring zero or one wetsuit, as the likelihood of a wetsuit getting destroyed or too wet in eight hours is low. If you’re going to wear the wetsuit, start with it on since it’ll be night-time, then, remove the suit if you feel that you’re overheating.

6.     Change of Race Clothes, including Shoes

Whether or not you start with a wetsuit, you’ll want to pack one change of “just in case” race clothes. Bring Tough Mudder-ready compression pants/shorts, running shorts, moisture-wicking socks, a polyester long sleeve/short sleeve shirt, and an extra pair of Merrell Dexterity or Avalaunch Tough Mudder shoes if something goes wrong gear-wise on the course. Try not to overthink this step in the packing process, as overthinking apparel packing can waste precious training time. There’s always a merchandise booth to purchase the latest Tough Mudder gear and bunch of helping hands in Mudder Village if you need apparel help.

7.     Change of Clothes for Post Race

Keep a change of clothes that you won’t use for racing, unless absolutely necessary, in your pit area. All you really need is a pair of sweatpants, underwear, and flip flops, since you’ll be receiving a brand new Toughest Mudder Finisher Shirt.

8.     Hat and Gloves

Wearing gloves on the course is a matter of personal preference and a pair with good grip and padding is DGearOG. Obstacles like Kong, Funky Monkey: The Revolution, and Augustus Gloop require great grip strength but more importantly, can leave sensitive skin torn up, so gloves are really for protecting against ripped hands.

Any beanie or hat worn on the course will likely fall off but a polyester/spandex face shield or balaclava can be a vital assets if temperatures drop. Pack some type of wearable face guard to protect against wind  and keep you warm if necessary.

9.     A Garbage Bag

After snapping post-race photos, showering off and changing (in that order), toss your muddy clothes into a garbage bag so you don’t get your entire gear bag muddy. Carry this either in that gear bag or in your hands as you hang out in Mudder Village.

10.  A Towel

A regular bath or beach towel will do for changing and drying off from the showers but the Orange Mud Wrap is a towel with a belt buckle that won’t come off as you’re changing into your post-race clothes. It also doubles as a seat cover so you’re car seat stays mud-free on the ride home.

The airmen from Luke Air Force Base are used to physical activity, the desert, and teamwork. This time they decided to combine all of this on their day off. Tough Mudder Arizona was lucky to have a team both volunteer and run from the local air base.

We caught up with Ridge Shan, A1C USAF, who organized the team to come and volunteer at Tough Mudder.

What attracted you to volunteering at Tough Mudder when you were approached?
The Air Force promotes a commitment to both high physical fitness standards and community service. This was an opportunity to do both at the same time, allowing Luke airmen to support members of the local community by helping them to meet and achieve their health and fitness goals. It’s a small reflection of the way that local communities support Luke to accomplish our mission here.

Did you get a lot of interest from the base? How did you advertise it?
Many of our airmen, being focused and highly active individuals, jumped at the chance to participate. Luke’s command structure is able to channel requests for volunteer support throughout the wing. We welcome and enjoy any chance to volunteer for a good cause.

How did you organize it within the base to coordinate a team?
We asked for airmen who were interested, they responded, and we worked out days and times that fit into their typically busy schedules to get them teamed together and ready to go.

What were the comments from the team about volunteering & running the event?
Our people loved it. It was an incredible joy to be able cheer on, help, and take care of gracious runners and participants who have put themselves out there in the pursuit of physical excellence. Many of our volunteers can’t wait to participate in similar events in the future.

A couple of quotes I grabbed from participating airmen:

• “I had a few runners shake my hand just for giving them water. It was pretty cool, but I didn’t really understand how they could be so appreciative until I ran myself the next day. You realize the volunteers are really taking care of you.”
• “It was exciting to start, I hated it half-way through, and then I felt incredible personal accomplishment crossing the finish line alongside my friends and coworkers. I definitely plan on doing another event in the future.”
• “Being able to be volunteer and meet so many great people gave me a lot of motivation, not only for my own run, but also in kick starting my progress toward my personal fitness goals this year.”

What made you want to get the airbase involved with Tough Mudder?
We want to always be able to give back to the local community. Volunteering at physical and endurance events like Tough Mudder are a fantastic way for Luke airmen to foster our community relationship in a direct, down-to-earth way. This was a great chance to work with everyday people outside of the military to accomplish the same things and conquer the same obstacles, literally.

We hear you had the Commander & Bombardier who came along to volunteer & run – how did they enjoy it?
When asked about the event, the general had this to say: “We grow in life by taking the hill even when it is steep, crossing the expanse even when it is filled with mud, and most of all dedicating ourselves to serving and teaming with others…and this was just another fun and messy opportunity for Thunderbolts to transform a test into an opportunity for excellence.”

Our Command Chief expressed a similar opinion: “This was the first time I’ve ever been part of anything like this.  I had no idea what to expect, but as soon as the whistle sounded to begin the course I knew I was part of something special.  Hundreds of individuals became one team, united in a single purpose: to ensure everyone completed the challenge in front of them.  The culture of this community is similar to our own family across Thunderbolt Nation; brothers and sisters extending a hand to help each other through our challenges.”  *’Thunderbolt’ is a nickname for a Luke Airman.

What would you say to other military organizations who are thinking of getting involved?
It’s just Saturday morning PT!

Disclaimer: While the airmen from Luke loved volunteering and running the course, this post is not endorsement of Tough Mudder by the Air Force. Want to sign up to volunteer? Get involved at toughmudder.com/volunteer

In this episode of Coachified, Coach tries his hand at Martial Arts and Self Defense with Vega Enthusiast, Nutritionist, and 3rd Degree Black Belt, Jennifer Cassetta.

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The second of the six Toughest Mudder series went down outside of Atlanta, Georgia this past weekend at Bouckeart Farms. Instead of the high elevation gains and dropping temps of America’s Toughest Mudder West (Los Angeles), Mudders were given warm weather (high of 77°F and a low of 51°F) and rolling hills – but that didn’t mean the course was easy. The inclusion of several double obstacles–where participants went through the obstacle, took a U-turn, and did the obstacle a second time–resulted in a tough course, with Mud Mile 2.0 and Block Ness Monster particularly hard.

Three women and three men came out on top, with dynamic duo Ryan Atkins and Lindsay Webster taking the overall wins for 50 and 45 miles, respectively. Both Atkins and Webster took home $5,000 for their first-place finishes, with Atkins winning another $5,000 bonus for reaching the 50-mile mark. This is their second win in the Toughest Mudder series.

The terrain at Toughest Mudder South, while not as steep as Toughest Mudder West, included several technical sections, and several obstacles like Berlin Walls, Birth Canal, Reach Around and Kiss of Mud 2.0 that were twice as long in an effort to even out the Toughest Mudder playing field. The thick Georgia mud added to the difficulty of the course as expected with several competitors describing Mud Mile 2.0 as the crux of the course.

The first sprint lap rushed by quickly, with eventual top 5 men coming in within 33 secods of one another. Atkins completed the first lap in 47 minutes, 36 seconds. Ultimate women’s champion, Webster, completed her first lap in 50 minutes, 22 seconds with second-place Allison Tai in 49 minutes, 39 seconds. Third-place female Alex Roudayna completed the lap in a fast 47 minutes, 52 seconds.

In the women’s race, Webster and Stefanie Bishop kept a conservative pace early on in the race, while Tai and Roudayna raced ahead. Says Webster, “I tried to run a pace I knew I could maintain for the whole race. At first, it was really hard because I felt like I could run faster and wanted to hunt them down, but by the end it was all I could do to keep running that speed.” Webster ultimately caught and passed Tai and Roudayna, finishing a full loop ahead of Canada’s Tai and two loops ahead of Mexico’s Roudayna.

Tai had what she calls a “really fun but really hard race.” “The terrain was far more runnable than L.A., but the obstacles were far more draining,” she says. “I held the lead until 6:30 a.m. when Lindsay passed me. She was sweet to run with me for a couple of kilometers before she took off, strong all the way until the end.”

While Webster ultimately prevailed in the women’s race and placing 6th overall, Tai managed 40 miles while Roudayna got in 35 miles over 7 hours, 40 minutes. Expected podium placers Sara Knight ran 40 miles in 7 hours, 55 minutes, while World’s Toughest Mudder 2016 Champion, Bishop, stopped after 2 loops due to a lingering illness following an attempt to climb the 46 High Peaks of the Adirondacks earlier this year.

The humidity may have played a role in several top competitors complaining of stomach upset and digestive problems on course. Says Knight, who ultimately placed fourth female, “Stomach problems got the best of me and running (especially downhill) caused sharp stabs in my gut with every step. I stopped multiple times at the porta-pottys and every half a mile or so I vomited or gagged on nothing.”

In the men’s race, expected podium-placer, Trevor Cichoz, dropped to 8th place overall following digestive problems in lap 2. Cichoz did, however, move from 15th place to 8th place in the late stages of the race following a comeback from his stomach problems.

The men’s race was as tight as the women’s until the later stages of the race when Atkins moved ahead, ultimately finishing 50 miles in 8 hours, 16 minutes. Second-place Ryan Woods completed 45 miles of the Atlanta course in 7 hours, 43 minutes, with third-place, Luke Bosek, coming in roughly seven minutes behind. Says Atkins, “I think Tough Mudder did a great job slowing down the athletes, with doubling up most obstacles and a BRUTAL Mud Mile 2.0. The terrain we raced on was varied and hillier than people initially expected.”

Women’s Winners

Men’s Winners

Full results available here.

Toughest Mudder South was the second event in the Toughest Mudder Series and already athletes are racking up high mileage totals for the Annual Mileage Awards. The male and female with the most annual miles for their top 3 performances will be awarded $10,000. As it currently stands, Ryan Atkins and Lindsay Webster lead the way for two solid performances at Toughest Mudder West and Toughest Mudder South.

Currently in the lead for Annual Mileage Totals
Men: Ryan Atkins–100 miles
Women: Lindsay Webster–85 miles

Next up: Europe’s Toughest Mudder in the United Kingdom
May 13th, 2017
Pre-Race Course and Athlete Preview Coming Soon

To register for an upcoming Toughest Mudder event, click here.

What: America’s Toughest Mudder South (Event 2 of 6 leading to WTM)
Where: Bouckeart Farms, Fairburn, Georgia
When: April 30 (12 a.m. to 8a.m.)
Predicted Weather: 83/58 Scattered Thunderstorms and Showers
Format: 2 Unique Courses, 8 Hours – As Many Laps as Possible
Predicted Numbers: 500 Athletes
Live Overnight Coverage: Facebook and Instagram 4.29 11pm – 4.30 9am EST
For Live Race Standings: Click Here

On April 29, 2017, Mudders from around the globe will traverse what will be the muddiest America’s Toughest Mudder course in the six event series leading up to World’s Toughest Mudder.

Held at Bouckeart Farms, 40 minutes from Atlanta, Georgia, and voted best course in North America by mudrunguide.com, boasts some of the best views (which include rolling, green hills, forested trails, and picturesque ponds) and mud east of the Mississippi. The red clay is so thick and so deep that volunteers reportedly had to assist participants out of the mud in 2016.

Among top competitors to watch face off this weekend throughout 8 hours of gnarly, in-the-dark obstacles are: Ryan Atkins and Trevor Cichosz for the male category and Stefanie Bishop and Sara Knight for women.

Top 10 Toughest Mudder Athletes

Men’s Athlete Preview

Ryan Atkins is slated to be running Toughest Mudder South, the second of the Toughest Mudder event series leading to World’s Toughest Mudder. Atkins took home the win at last month’s America’s Toughest Mudder West, finishing in first place with 50 miles and the according $5,000 50-mile bonus prize.

Trevor Cichosz, who won World’s Toughest Mudder 2016 with a winning 105 miles (that’s 21 laps) on a brutal course, has been nursing an injury but is back and ready to compete, starting at America’sToughest Mudder South. Cichosz expects this course to be less competitive than America’s Toughest Mudder West with favorites Austin Azar, Kris Mendoza, and Chad Trammell sitting this race out, but doesn’t have high expectations for himself going into the race. “I have not run at all in the last four weeks and have been mountain climbing and cycling to train,” he said in a pre-race interview. “I am just coming off injury and do not want to go out super hard in re-injure myself.” Mileage-wise, Cichosz hopes to get in a minimum of 40 miles, but his past-performances show that he’s more than capable of that.

Matthew Hanson, a five-time WTM Competitor with a two-time top 5 finish (4th place in 2014 and 5th place in 2016) most recently completed 95 miles at last year’s WTM. Don’t count him out to go for a podium spot.

Women’s Athlete Preview

Stefanie Bishop had an impressive performance at World’s Toughest Mudder 2016, her first ever showing at WTM. Completing a staggering 85 miles, leaving the second and third-place women far behind, Bishop will likely be a force to be reckoned with at Toughest Mudder South and every every thereafter. That said, her recent attempt to climb the 46 High Peaks in the Adirondacks in March would have made her the first woman to do so. Unfortunately, bad weather derailed her efforts and she was forced to stop, having covered 27 Peaks over some 240 miles. “I resumed normal training about two and a half weeks ago,” says Bishop, “so I honestly have no clue where I’ll be at. My goal is to see where I need to turn my focus to for the next few months. It will be a good baseline race for me.” Even so, it’s safe to say her level of mental grit surpasses that of most. Expect to see Bishop in the lead on Sunday.

Look for Sara Knight, who placed a strong second behind Lindsay Webster at Toughest Mudder West, to be a strong contender for the win, too. Knight hopes to get in at least 40 miles, with a stretch goal of 50 miles–depending on the expected mud at the event. “I heard there’s a lot of mud,” says Knight. “I’m pretty sure the main difference between Toughest Mudder West and Toughest Mudder South is the elevation gain; it’s going to be an even faster race and we will see even more miles being accomplished.”

Allison Tai, who most recently placed 3rd at Toughest Mudder West, and Alex Roudayna de la Huerta Susila of Mexico, who placed 5th, are possible contenders for the win, as well. While Tai has numerous strong performances behind her name, Susila is a relatively new contender but has already made strides in the sport.

The Courses

Toughest Mudder South will have participants running two loops of the expansive course. Don’t let the map fool you. The equestrian area is much larger than it looks with hills and trails to match. The course is broken into two loops: One will run from 12-3:45, while the second will run from 4-8a.m.

LOOP 1: MIDNIGHT – 4:00 AM

Follows a 5-mile route through forested trails and equestrian fields.This course will feature trail running in heavily forested areas to create an eerie feel–who knows what lurks in the shadows! Expect to run 585 feet of elevation gain during this course, with obstacles that include:

• Berlin Walls
• Pyramid Scheme
• Devil’s Beard
• Hold Your Wood
• Block Ness
• Skidmarked
• Kiss of Mud 2.0
• Pitfall
• Everest 2.0
• Mystery obstacle alterations

LOOP 2: 4:00 AM – 8:00 AM

No less forgiving, the second 5 mile loop of the 8 hour race will feature more obstacles and more water–right in time for that 4 a.m. low. The highest point on the course, situated just after Ladder Hell, will offer terrific views of the entire course, and the sunrise. Loop 2 offers just slightly more elevation gain than 1: 615 feet of thigh busting fury. Expect to see these obstacles on the second loop:

• Balls to the Wall
• Augustus Gloop
• Operation
• Stage 5 Clinger
• Hangtime
• Arctic Enema
• Hold Your Wood Dos
• Funky Monkey
• Ladder to Hell
• Quagmire
• Black Hole
• Kong
• Mystery obstacle alterations

Watch Live This Weekend and on CBS Summer 2017

Watch the #QuestForTheGrail unfold live across Tough Mudder social media platforms: Facebook Live, Twitter, Instagram +Instagram story and again on CBS Summer 2017.

Watch America’s Toughest Mudder West Footage

In Episode 2 of this season of Coachified, we followed Coach and E-Rock 8 hours through the night at the first ever Toughest Mudder event in LA. Spoiler alert: E-Rock pees his pants.

In Episode 3 of this season of Coachified, Coach learns a thing or two about what kind of conditioning it takes to be a professional skier from legendary Big Mountain skier Daron Rahlves and his wife, Michelle.

Dear Mudder Nation,

We’ve been stoked to hear that our first two blog posts – on Toughest Mudder and the Competitive Series – have been valuable sources of information and helped to provide some backstory on our new formats, directly from TMHQ. Given their popularity, we’re excited to provide our third (and for now, final) blog post – this time discussing our biggest event of all time: World’s Toughest Mudder 2017.

Over the past few months, there has been a steady trickle of information about World’s Toughest Mudder – from the official announcement that we’re returning to Vegas in 2017, to inklings of a new team category – that we hope has whet your appetites and gotten you pumped to seek the Holy Grail. In this post, we’ll be demystifying some of our previous announcements, and providing some more rationale on the changes that have been made.

Before diving into the details – we wanted to start by explaining the three goals we had in making updates to World’s Toughest 2017:

• Keep WTM Great – Since 2011, World’s Toughest Mudder has been one of the most unique and grueling experiences on the planet. In that time, it has come to epitomize everything that Tough Mudder is about: teamwork, community, pushing the limits, and the most innovative obstacles in the industry. Our first priority is to preserve the elements that have built WTM into the event it is – while injecting it with new vitality.

• Push Mudder Nation to their Best – Over the past 6 years, we’ve watched Mudder Nation consistently smash boundaries in ways that we could have never imagined. Many of the updates that we’re making in 2017 – from prize allocation to new competitive categories – are designed to push competitors to exceed their goals and reach new heights, whether they are new to endurance OCR or lifelong professional athletes.

• Show WTM to the World – World’s Toughest has become what it is as a result of the incredible community that has grown around it. The long term success of WTM is therefore entirely contingent upon the growth and strength of that community. By utilizing our TV deals with CBS (US only) and Sky Sports (UK only), we’re creating a pathway to WTM through our Competitive Series, and providing other opportunities for the nervously curious to develop an understanding of what WTM is all about, our goal is to increase access to WTM to enable the community to grow.

With an understanding of these three objectives – let’s dive into the details:

Format Update: As previously announced, WTM 2017 will have a few updates to competitive categories that are being offered. The decision to expand the number of categories at WTM was driven by the knowledge that different types of competitors have dramatically different intensions; by adding more options, we’re putting ourselves in the best position to protect the interests of our community as the number of WTM participants continues to grow.

Individual Competition (Male/Female)

– This is where it all started: our biggest category that has defined the toughest athletes in OCR since 2011. In 2017, there are three levels of competition for individuals:

• Open: Anyone can register to this category, regardless of whether they’ve run any events previously. This category is for those looking to push their own boundaries, but not interested in prize money or premium pit spaces
• Contender: Competitors in this category can qualify by running 25 miles at a Toughest Mudder event or through special application. Contenders receive access to premium pit spaces, prize money, and a sweet Contender bib
• Elite Contender: This category is for the truly Elite athletes that are in contention to win World’s Toughest Mudder. Qualification in this category requires a Top 5 finish at any 2017 Toughest Mudder event. Elite Contenders will be fighting for the same prize money as Contenders – but with added access to the Bonus Mileage Prizes.

Team Competitions – The Team Competition has always been a unique offering at World’s Toughest Mudder – challenging groups of athletes to spend 24+ hours staggering through course together, helping each other out of physical and emotional pits. In 2017, we’re expanding the Team categories to indoctrinate an even wider pool of athletes into the WTM universe.

• Standard Team (2+): Identical to the Team category in 2016, this category provides participants an opportunity to run with teams of 2 or more athletes to compete for prize money. All team members in this category must stay together on-course at all times to remain eligible. No special qualification is required for this category; however, if all team members have qualified individually as either Contenders or Elite Contenders, the team will be eligible for premium pit spaces and exclusive bibs.

NEW National Team Relay (4+): In addition to the tried-and-true solo and team categories at WTM, we’re creating a new layer of competition at WTM this year for teams that want a taste of our signature 24-hours of suffering and teamwork, against the backdrop of an international competition. Relay teams will be required to run their first and last laps together as a team; at all other times, at least 50% of the team must be active. Teams in this category will select the nation that they will be representing during registration (multiple teams per nation will be allowed).

Prizing:

As we’ve adapted our competitive categories and watched the evolution of competition at World’s Toughest through the years, we realized that there was a need to update the prizing allocation at WTM 2017. The major updates this year are:

Update to Mileage Bonus Awards – In 2016, we threw out a challenge that we didn’t think anybody would be able to achieve – 100 miles with a team of 2 or more participants. After Jon and Ryan shattered that boundary, we’re upping the ante in 2017 with exciting updates to the mileage bonus awards:

• Bonus awards shifted to the Individual Categories – We put out the original team mileage challenge in 2015 to see how far a team could go together. Having smashed the 100-mile boundary as a team, we’re moving the bonus prizing to the individual categories to see just how far one person can go on their own
• Increase in mileage for Male Bonus award – With multiple athletes breaking the 105-mile mark in 2016, we’re raising the stakes in 2017 with the new 110-mile bonus prize
• Creation of 100-mile Female award- The bonus mileage awards are all about pushing athletes to break records. Amelia Boone came close to the 100-mile boundary in 2012, so we’re throwing down the gauntlet in 2017 to challenge the first female to take their mileage into the triple digits.

Addition of Prizing to Team Relay Category – With the unveiling of the National Team Relay, we’re putting money on the line to draw out the best teams that each country can field.

New Achievement Awards – WTM has always been unique in offering special awards for achieving a variety of goals at the event. In addition to our famous 50, 75, 100, and 125 mile bibs, we’ve also excited to announce these new awards:

• National Team Cup for winning National Relay Team
• First Responder Trophy for best performance by a Relay Team comprised of First Responders
• Armed Services Trophy for best performance by a Relay Team comprised of Armed Services members or veterans
• Black and Orange Jacket for the Male/Female who hold the record for best WTM performance in their category

Individual Category Qualification

With the new contender categories rolling out in 2017, there are several methods to officially qualify for contender status(es):

Elite Contender

Performance: Must place top 5 at a Toughest Mudder event in 2017

Waiver Application: Not Available, subject to approval through direct appeal to WTM Race Officials

Contender

Performance: Must run a minimum of 25 miles at a Toughest Mudder event in 2017 (automatic)

Waiver Application:

• Purchase 2017 WTM Registration for regular participant
• Fill out online application
• Provide proof of performance in similar ultra-endurance event (upload in application)
• Wait for approval notification  
• All applications are at the discretion of WTM Race Officials
• All participants who wish to run as a Contender, but do not qualify through performance, must submit a waiver application. Contender status will not be assumed
• Participants who complete 25+ miles at Toughest Mudder, will automatically be assumed contender upon WTM 2017 registration
• Application portal will close October 20th, no applications will be accepted after this date

Sample Prerequisites for Waiver

• Run 50+ miles at WTM in the past (5) years [TM will verify, no proof required]
• Mudder Legion status of 25+ [TM-verified]
• Top/relevant placement at similar OCR event [must provide official result]
• Top/relevant  placement at recognized endurance event [must provide official result]

Team Categories:

With two exciting team categories on offer in 2017, it’s important for athletes to know how they can sign up in either category. The details below outline the requirements for each of the 2 team categories.

Team (2+)

• Open to all participants (no qualification required)
• Must compete as a team of (2) or more, and run together at all times
• Eligible to win cash prizing in the Team 2+ category

National Team Relay (4+) [NEW]

Rules:

• Must all be registered and compete as a team of (4) or more (no qualification required)
• Must fill out a National Team (4+) application  by August 1st to run as National Team (link to come)
• Must complete first lap and last lap as a full team, all other laps require at least 50% or more of the team on-course to have laps count towards overall mileage
• National Teams will be eligible to win cash prizing in the National Team Category

Additional Formatting: Through the application process, National Teams can additionally identify as either:

• Armed Services: Army, Navy, Marines, Air Force, International service members welcomed
• First Responders: Police, Fire, EMTs, EMS, International members/other forms welcomed
• The winning / top Armed Services and First Responder team will be awarded a Trophy at the awards brunch

That’s all for now. See you all out in Vegas ‘17,

WTM Race Directors

Miranda Richardson is well known on the UK Tough Mudder circuit. In 2016 she went international and headed out to World’s Toughest and also the first Middle East event in Dubai. We chatted to her about combat trousers, Arctic Enema and all things volunteering…

You’re known as the ‘Ice Queen’, why is that?

“For the last 2 seasons I have been responsible for looking after Arctic Enema, as it’s one of TMs most talked about obstacles I like to make sure it’s memorable for all the mudders who take part. If it’s their first time or their 25th time AE should always take their breath away. I like to make the volunteers who help to run it also get the best out of the day, its one of the most hands on experiences at TM for a volunteer, whilst it requires a lot of hard work such as loading in on average 12 tonnes of ice per day it’s the most up close confidence building you can do with a mudder helping them to really face their fears. Mudders get to me on course and they are always welcomed with a hug or high 5, I’m told for a lot it makes it all part of the experience.”

You hit an important milestone in 2016, what was your first event and how many times has it been now?

“My first event was in 2013 at London South Winchester. My husband Guy had taken part at Kettering earlier in the season and said he fancied doing it again. I looked into the cost of the event and saw the details about volunteering so I suggested we did it together, a fun day out and a chance to earn the discount. We purchased some black and orange combat trousers and the moment we arrived we were nicknamed the combat couple, the name and trousers have stuck and we are always noticed on and off course for them. We looked after an obstacle called Trench Warfare, out in the middle of nowhere with a PA system, so we made it our own and entertained the mudders all day long. From that day we were hooked! By the time 2016 as a year wrapped up I had a total of 52 events volunteered at for Tough Mudder.”

52! Wow. Have you always volunteered or do you run too?

“In the UK we have a tv breakfast show called GMTV and they have an event they call “Tough Mums” it’s women from all walks of life from cancer suffers to foster mums to just incredible women and they do a half type course with the TV anchor crew and a few other celebrity mums. So I did the first one and managed to break my ribs on Everest so I’ve decided I’m much better in my orange MVP shirt than running!”

Ouch, best to stick to AE! What’s your motivation to volunteer?

“The motivation was ingrained in me from my first experience on site, the volunteer manager believed in everything TM stands for and imparted that feeling in every MVP who turned up for a shift. This feeling has never left me. I love the adrenaline I get from the weekend, the help I can give everyone including spectators, makes them leave knowing they has had the most amazing experience of their lives. I still get emotional every time someone turns around and hugs me and thanks me for getting them through AE. The whole ethos of TM breaks down barriers for so many, their fears, new goals, old enemies and the desire to show others they can do something, and that by working together they can achieve that is enough to make me smile all day.”

We all have a favourite thing when it comes to volunteering, what’s yours?

“There isn’t for me a favourite thing as the whole event weekend is somewhere I love to be, but I must say I have a little passion for the pack down. That is what happens on a Sunday afternoon after the final runner has left the first obstacle. The course needs stripping down and as MVPs that’s part of our role. In the early days Guy and I used to accompany Graham – one of the zone leaders – to what we called “coming out to play” that meant jumping in a UTV grabbing a few rubbish sacks and snips and driving out to course to take down the markings, signs and miles of orange tape. To b able to see where the mudders had been during the day the hills and mud they had encounter was great fun, whilst it’s always nice to see and obstacle it really puts into perspective what they have to go through.”

You headed to Dubai for the first Middle East event, what was that like?

“Dubai was incredible I am so pleased I made it out there. it was really important to me that the MVPs and Mudders go the whole TM experience and if that meant me taking my little bit of knowledge over there and making sure that happened then that was what I needed to do. The venue was so very very different as sand as far as the eye could see! This meant the challenge for the event was the sandstorms of which didn’t let us down for both days, Friday 4 hours and Saturday 7 hours, it made both running and volunteering a challenge in itself. The people were lovely though and so keen to learn what to do and see as much as they could. I’m sure duTM will grow just like it has everywhere, it was a real pleasure to be a part of it.”

What’s your 2017 schedule like? Any oversea trips planned?

“2017 dates all booked for the UK, that’s a given! Just checking the home and husbands running schedule but possibly considering Germany. We have already saved the dates for WTM as we’ve been twice as Pit Crew but maybe sneaking in another year. And you know I never say never to anything…”

For any new 2017 volunteers, what would your advice be?

“Do IT!! Bring a bucket load of HOORAHS, and HELL YEAHS it’s a day that will never leave you, and I guarantee you will be back for more.”

Inspired? Check out the volunteer opportunities all over the Globe: goo.gl/u3vYlc

The inaugural Toughest Mudder took place this past weekend at the dry, dusty and incredibly steep Glen Helen Raceway in Los Angeles, California. Racers attempted to complete as many miles over the course of 8 hours starting at midnight and finishing at 8 a.m, with three men and three women ultimately prevailing as podium winners. For a play-by-play of the toughest event, read on:

The 12 a.m. start time made for a chilly first lap, with temperatures at 52 degrees Fahrenheit dropping to 47 degrees by early morning. The event, split into two different loops, feature 22 obstacles in total. At midnight, roughly 450 participants headed out onto their first loop for a sprint lap–with a twist. A variable opening made specific obstacles begin at random, while others remained closed for the first loop. While America’s Toughest Mudder West is likely to be the driest course in the series, it also had the most hills. Roughly 940 feet of elevation gain was experienced on the first half of the course, which ran from midnight to 3:45 a.m. while the second half of the course, open from 3:45 a.m. to 8:30 a.m., gained more than 1,400 feet.

On the women’s side, Sara Knight of Mount Vernon, Washington, flew through the first loop in 42 minutes, 9 seconds, with Lindsay Webster of Caledon, Ontario following in 43 minutes, 49 seconds. Allison Tai of Vancouver, British Columbia came in just behind Webster in 44 minutes, 22 seconds. These three women would battle it out over the course of the next eight hours to determine who would come out on top.

Meanwhile on the men’s side, Ryan Woods of Boone, North Carolina blazed through loop one in 35 minutes, 4 seconds, averaging just under a seven minute per mile pace over hilly terrain. Zac Marion of Manitou Springs, Colorado came in with Chad Trammell of Anchorage, Alaska in  37 minutes, 55 seconds and 37 minutes, 56 seconds, respectively. Eventual winner Ryan Atkins of Caledon, Onatario, came through in 7th place in 38 minutes, 44 seconds.

The first half of the course had less elevation gain than the second but featured numerous obstacles, including Devil’s Beard, Quagmire, Ladder to Hell, Block Ness Monster, Everest 2.0, Mud Mile 2.0, Skidmarked, Pyramid Scheme, Shawshanked, Berlin Walls, and Kiss of Mud 2.0. By the second loop, Woods maintained the lead until the course switchover and was ultimately crushed by the second half (out paced on the hills by 2-3 mins per mile by Atkins, Trammel, Azar, and Racz). By that time, Glenn Racz of Temecula, California had moved into second place with Trammell with Atkins, only a minute behind, hung onto fourth.  

On the women’s side, Webster crept to first, dropping Knight into second. Tai remained in third, only one minute, one second behind leading woman, Webster.

The second course featured less obstacles but more punishment. Obstacles like Hang Time, an altered version of Tough Mudder’s King of Swingers obstacle added a rope cargo for racers to grab and cling to before belaying down plastic tubing, tested grip strength and agility, where Arctic Enema: The Rebirth, Operation, and Electroshock Therapy (a penalty) tested racers’ ability to deal with ice and electricity.

By mile 30, or the end of of loop 6, Webster had put more than twenty minutes between her and second-place female  Knight.  On the men’s side, by the end of loop seven (1 full loop of the new, more gruelling course format) Trammell had caught up to Woods, with Atkins close behind, pushing Woods into third place.

In the final hours, Trammell had an 11-minute lead on second-place Atkins. Woods, meanwhile, had dropped to 7th, leaving third-place open to Racz. In a final surge, Atkins outran Trammell, running each of his last 4 laps subsequently faster than the one before. He outpaced Trammell by 2 minutes 44 seconds per mile on the last 5 miles loop ultimately claim the spot for first place male as well as the $5,000 bonus for first male to 50-miles.

In the women’s field, Webster stayed consistently strong throughout the entire race, ultimately taking the women’s win and the $5,000 bonus.

Men’s Results

1st-Ryan Atkins
2nd-Chad Trammell
3rd-Glenn Racz
4th-Austin Azar
5th-Mark Jones

Women’s Results

1st-Lindsay Webster
2nd-Sara Knight
3rd-Allison Tai
4th- Kayla Kobelin
5th- April Hartwig

Next up: Toughest Mudder South in Atlanta, Georgia

April 29th, 2017

To register for an upcoming Toughest Mudder event, click here