COVID TOUGH PLAN

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.