The Telegraph, which first posted this news, asked Tough Mudder founder Will Dean, “But won’t a shorter course put off the purists who believe you should either do a full Tough Mudder or nothing at all?”
Will Dean replied, “We are not worried about a backlash or that people will be put off doing a Tough Mudder if they do a half Mudder. It’s similar to the 10-12 mile event, with many of the same obstacles. It’s about pushing yourself.”
Obstacle Racing Media reached out to top U.K. racer and 3 time Tough Guy winner James Appelton about the news and he told us, “Other races realized the potential to introduce people to the sport gradually, and incentivize them to achieve something, then raise their expectations of themselves. Why TM chose not to is beyond me – it might because it was already the bottom-rung for getting people into the sport – but their introduction of an even easier course must mean that either they’re struggling to justify their high entry costs now the market has so many more events, or they’re trying to appeal to those who for whom even a TM looks too much. That’s also probably financially driven – get more people in the door – but if it encourages more people down the line to get off the couch and get active, then it’s a good start”
Since they have rolled this out in the US, will you be signing up?
Check out the comparison website – What is Tough Mudder Half?
Obstacle Racing Media has also reached out to TMHQ for a quote, and of course to ask about the U.S. courses. Stay tuned for more information as it develops.
What do you think?
Would you suggest that your friends do a “kindler, gentler, Tough Mudder”?
Will Urban Mudder continue?
Are morning timed heats next?
Matt B. Davis
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It is an incredibly smart move for the company. I am surprised they have not done this sooner. I am not sure I would really advertise it as a “kindler, gentler, Tough Mudder” however, shorter, yes. They have reduced the obstacles and distance as well as the no fire/ice/electricity.
Let us take a look at what is out there:
Mudderella – your very entry level course. It is, what, four miles?
Rugged Maniac/Warrior Dash – 3.1 miles
Spartan Sprint – 4+
Savage Race – 6+
Battlefrog – 8k and ?
Spartan Super – 8+
Tough Mudder – 12
Spartan Beast – 12+
There is a demographic that TM can tap into with that shorter course. There is no doubt in my mind that there are individuals out there who have done something like a Rugged Maniac and would be interested, but that 12 miles would be intimidating to them. With that shorter course, it could be that right distance to get them into the next level of the courses.
Would you suggest that your friends do a “kindler, gentler, Tough Mudder”?
-without that tagline of “kindler, gentler” yes.
Will Urban Mudder continue?
-like anything else, is there a demand for it? if the demand is great enough along with location, then yes. It could have a lot of great possibilities to it. I am sure they could spin it the right way to get a different customer base as well. It does not necessarily HAVE to deal with mud. Look at the American Ninja Warrior, how much mud is in that course?
Are morning timed heats next?
-why are they not timed?