Boston Tough Mudder 2013 Running May 11–12, 2013

The Boston Tough Mudder is one of several dozen Tough Mudder challenges held all over Europe, North America, and Asia; a 10-12-mile obstacle course billed as “Probably the Toughest Event on the Planet.”

Occurring usually on the second weekend of May, the location of the Boston Tough Mudder can change every year, but is always within 90 minutes of the city. The Boston Tough Mudder course can also change annually, though participants can expect a host of tough obstacles, including an ice plunge (the Arctic Enema), mad jumps off 40-foot cliffs, slippery half-pipes, fire pits, and a finale sprinting through a field of 10,000-volt live wires.

Waves of roughly 500 people start the Boston Tough Mudder race every 20 minutes over the two days that the event takes place (always on a weekend), and finishers receive a branded headband, t-shirt, and a cold beer. Some can even opt to get a Tough Mudder tattoo.

Although many individuals compete, teamwork is emphasized at the Boston Tough Mudder – just as it is at all the other Tough Mudder events – and many groups will don crazy costumes guaranteed to look like little more than rags by race’s end. Costume competitions are often held, as are hairdo competitions from styles given at Tough Mudder’s Mullets & Mohawks tent.

The top 5% of finishers in any Tough Mudder qualify for World’s Toughest Mudder, which is essentially the same course but is run consecutively for 24-hours, with the person who completes the most laps during that time declared the winner.

Since its founding, officials estimate that more than a half-million people have participated in the event, helping to raise more than $3 million for the Wounded Warrior Project, which provides aid to severely injured service men and women.

Spectators are welcome, though they must pay a fee to walk the course during the event. A post-party takes place each day after the final race at Boston Tough Mudder, with live music and food and lots of sore feet.

Boston Tough Mudder fees range from $95–$180, going up every few weeks before the race. Tickets for Boston Tough Mudder are usually made available seven months prior. Boston Tough Mudder spectator tickets are $20 online, $40 day of.