The Tough Mudder

The Tough Mudder is one of the most insane challenge courses in the world. If Spartan had a rival for the title of toughest obstacle course in the world, it would be Tough Mudder. In fact, Spartan purchased Tough Mudder in 2020, thus they're now technically the same thing. Tough Mudder is a series of endurance events in which athletes undertake 10-to-12-mile (16-to-19-kilometer) obstacle courses. Will Dean and Guy Livingstone co-founded it. Common human fears, such as fire, water, electricity, and heights, are frequently exploited by the obstacles.

Mudder distances ranging from 5K to 10K, with a 15K option for those who want to test their limitations all the way. Some of the events are similar to what you'll see at Spartan, such as crawling through mud or under barbed wire barriers. You may even be required to run through water while avoiding electrical lines for added excitement. Another challenge was slipping down a pole through a ring of fire. The basic idea is to overcome some of humanity's most primal fears, and it is clearly not for everyone. Mudders are not without dangers, even if they are not immediately apparent. Previous participants have become seriously ill after slopping through mud contaminated with cow feces.

Founder: Will Dean and Guy Livingstone

Established: 2010

Location: Brooklyn, NY