If you were one of those kids that loved playing outside and getting dirty, then you may be one of the near 800,000 Tough Mudder facebook fans thinking about taking on the race founders have called “Probably the Toughest Event on the Planet.”
The Tough Mudder is a 10-12 mile race, typically up a steep hill, with over 20 obstacles along the way. This year, 13 locations will host the Tough Mudder, and in 2012, over twice as many events are planned in the US, UK, Scotland, and Australia, all of which are listed on ToughMudder.com.
What’s the reason behind the Tough Mudder’s growth in popularity, along with other related obstacle course races? Why are “sports” like the Tough Mudder growing in popularity?
There’s some research on fitness and sports participation that can shed light on this. According to research conducted in January, the Physical Activity Council (PAC) found that after a couple of years of keeping a close eye on their discretionary budget, American consumers are planning to “get back out there and get off the sidelines.” According to the 2011 PAC report, over 30% of consumers plan to travel to take part in sports/recreation activities and an overlapping 25% plan to increase spending in “pay to play” fees. Drawing from contestants on a nationwide, the Tough Mudder may represent an activity consumers plan travel for and devote “pay to play” fees to.
Based on a first quarter consumer study conducted by Leisure Trends, sports participation has seen a peak on Saturday & Sunday. Although many outdoor sports including camping, hiking, and backpacking are typically enjoyed on weekends, Tough Mudder events are usually held on Saturday & Sunday. The Tough Mudder is one of several sports in which aspiring athletes have increased their participation during weekends. So far this year, an estimated 50,000 contestants took on the Tough Mudder.
Also from the same report, “Americans who participate in individual outdoor sports are very social. Their sports may be focused on self, but when done they want to share their experiences. Think of the fisherman telling you about the big one that got away.” Or the fellow mudder sliding down a steep hill.
Departing from what market research may have to say, if you’ve completed a Tough Mudder or even thought about it, you have your own distinct reasons.
Why do you decide to train hard only to endure all the muddiness and pain?
