What to expect at Tough Mudder Alberta 2015

Tough Mudder Alberta debuted in 2014 with 6,500 participants (Mudders) in the unique badlands setting of Drumheller Alberta. In their second year Tough Mudder HQ projects a steady growth to over 7,000 while introducing Albertans to some of their new “redefined” obstacles. 3-Seconds reporter Adam Kwitko caught up with Nick Cogger, Director of Tough Mudder Canada to discuss what to expect at Tough Mudder Alberta 2015.

2014 saw TM enter the Alberta market in the unique badlands setting of Drumheller on a weekend where 3 other Obstacle Course Races were scheduled in Alberta. Why did Tough Mudder choose that weekend?

NC: We plan our events over a year, sometimes close to two years, in advance, so it’s difficult to predict what other events will be happening in tandem. Our participants, both new and repeat customers, were excited that we were coming to Alberta, so we didn’t feel that other events would affect the success of our event, and we had a great time in Alberta in 2014 with thousands of people.

What should we look forward to at Tough Mudder Alberta in 2015?

NC: This year, we’ll return to Drumheller with a set of new and redefined obstacles for 2015 that will encourage participants to work together more than ever before, while providing the same personal challenges that people can expect from Tough Mudder, compounded by the uniqueness and difficulty offered by the Drumheller landscape. The base area and the spectator experience have also be revamped, with more food and beverage options, a blown-out children’s area, contests and giveaways from our sponsors, all meant to enhance the spectator experience

We heard of TMHQ’s Obstacle Innovation Team revamping classic Tough Mudder obstacles. What innovations should Mudders expect to see at Tough Mudder Alberta in 2015?

NC: The obstacle innovations we’ve made for this year are designed to make Tough Mudder more team oriented than ever before, since 95% of participants register as a team. They’re also sure to push people both physically and mentally and give them that personal challenge that Tough Mudder is known for.

Some redefined obstacles you can expect this year, for example, are Arctic Enema 2.0 and Everest 2.0. Instead of jumping into ice cold water, Arctic Enema 2.0 forces participants to slide down and under a chain-link fence into freezing ice water. Everest 2.0 is 20% higher and steeper, so you really need the support of your fellow Mudders.

Our new and redefined obstacles are meant to give our Legionnaires a new experience as well as plenty of new reasons for first-timers to take the plunge.

Will the premiere TM Obstacles like Ring of Fire, Fire in your Hole or King of Swingers make their way north of the border?

NC: These obstacles won’t be in Alberta this year, but we can assure that we’ll have plenty of our new and redefined obstacles in Drumheller this year. We don’t want to give too many obstacles away, but are eager to bring many exciting ones to Alberta this year.

Will Tough Mudder expand into any new Canadian markets for 2016?

NC: We continue to explore new markets for our events to reach more participants and deliver the experience to more people. We’re currently in 3 Canadian markets (Alberta, Toronto and Whistler) and continue to look at new venues and cities to host Tough Mudder.

July 25th saw Tough Mudder host its inaugural Urban Mudder event in New York. Will this urban concept make its way to Canada in the future? If so, in which cities?

NC: Urban Mudder NYC was an incredibly exciting moment for Tough Mudder, Inc, and we were so excited to deliver a new product for thousands of people. Coming of the heels of an exciting and successful Urban Mudder weekend in NYC, we’re now looking to bring the event to other cities where the demand is high.

Tough Mudder Alberta 2015 takes place on September 5th and 6th in Drumheller Alberta. You can watch Adam Kwitko’s report on Tough Mudder Alberta 2014 here and register here.

Interview by Adam Kwitko | Is a freelance endurance sports journalist and race operations professional. He is an avid OCR racer, trail runner and maple syrup addict.
Photo credit : Tough Mudder, Wikipedia (Cover)