The future of the Tough Mudder doesn’t seem quite as clear as mud as it might have a month ago. But things in the obstacle course racing world aren’t back to normal, either.
Once one of the most recognizable and strongest brands in the obstacle race space — and perhaps in the event space as a whole — Tough Mudder has faced an endless array of obstacles in recent months. As SDM previously reported, Spartan Race announced the acquisition in early January of an exclusive option to acquire Tough Mudder’s UK, Canadian and German events. It was seen as the first step in an effort to bring together a complete merger of the two obstacle course race leaders.
That news came after the resignation of Tough Mudder CEO Kyle McLaughlin and was followed by reports that creditors were trying to push the organization into bankruptcy filings over unpaid bills.
Then, on Feb. 4, Obstacle Racing Media reported the following:
The courts and Spartan have reached an agreement in principal. The company is working quickly with the courts and creditors to get Tough Mudder back up and fully operational.
Obstacle Racing Media just received the following from Spartan Race HQ:
"We’re actively engaged in discussions with the Chapter 11 trustee managing Tough Mudder through its Chapter 11 bankruptcy proceedings. We understand that Tough Mudder terminated its employees yesterday because it was no longer operating. After discussion with the Chapter 11 trustee, Spartan is in active discussions to onboard some ex-Tough Mudder employees to stand up as many events as possible after the company completes the sale of assets in its Chapter 11 case, which we hope and expect will take less than a month to complete. Their talented team helped create one of the strongest fitness brands on the planet and we are excited to continue to journey with the same group that’s built an incredible brand."
Ultimately, the trustee and the courts still have to decide what is in the best interest of all the stakeholders. However, if all goes to Spartan’s current plan, the OCR community will get some Tough Mudder events in North America this year.
Meanwhile, Tough Mudder posted this message on its UK website on Jan. 27 regarding its European subsidiary, Tough Mudder GmbH:
Michael Solomons and Andrew Pear of BM Advisory LLP were appointed as Joint Administrators of Tough Mudder Ltd on 24 January 2020. The Administrators are continuing to trade the business with a view to selling the business and assets, including its wholly owned subsidiary, Tough Mudder GmbH, as a going concern.
At this time all currently scheduled 2020 events in the UK and Germany will be going ahead.
Obstacle Racing Media continues to monitor and update the Tough Mudder situation.
About the Author
