If you’re itching to get outside and get back to your favorite Tough Mudder obstacle course, we’ve got news for you: it’s on for 2021.
Over 100,000 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 2021.
LIFE IS RETURNING TO NORMAL
We’ve seen vaccine distribution rolling out smoothly and the numbers are only going up. According to the most recent statistics, 132 million Americans are fully vaccinated, totaling more than 40% of the American population.
While, we know we’re not out of the woods yet as far as COVID is concerned, the worst is behind us. And we all have to do our part over the next several months to make it through the remainder of this virus. Please be smart, wear your mask, practice social 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 continuing to prioritize your safety. 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.
And its working. We’ve already seen two safe and successful Tough Mudder events take place in the rolling hills of Fairburn, Georgia and Wright City, Missouri.
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. Last year, 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’ve rolled 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.
- 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 launching new merchandise at shop.toughmudder.kr. Check it out!
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 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.