So, you’ve signed up for your first Tough Mudder. Now what? From now until event day you don’t have much to do except get amped, rally your crew, and arrange transportation to the venue. Though, you can make a difference and add meaning to your mud by fundraising with the Givestar app.
Our events are far from your everyday road race. So what can you expect? This is your comprehensive guide to your Tough Mudder event, from the moment you set eyes on the festival to the second you step foot out on course.
1. Arrive clean as a whistle (cherish it, it won’t last)
Ready for your day of teamwork, challenge, and epic adventure? Whether you arrive by public transit, a car share with your team, or you hired a car with Avis, you’ll want to get to the venue early and give yourself plenty of time to get settled and warm up. Avis Preferred members, don’t be afraid to hit the snooze button—once you arrive you’ll head straight to the VIP parking area.
Once on-site, head to the check-in station. There, you’ll get two wristbands—one to confirm your start time and one for bag drop.
2. Quick wee and drop your bag in the bag drop tent
That feeling that you might wet yourself on the course? Yeah, don’t let that happen. Hit the toilets and drop your bag at the designated gated area.
3. Head to the start

Once you’ve dropped your bag—and emptied your bladder—make your way to the start line. Here, you’ll warm up with the emcee, hear a quick safety briefing, and take the iconic Tough Mudder pledge. It’s a great way to meet fellow runners, hype each other up and kick off your day of adventure.
Do you hear that? We start in 3…2…1…
4. Face our world-famous obstacles and get MUDDY

Drumroll, please. It’s finally time for the main event, the reason you signed up for a Tough Mudder event: to tackle the obstacles. As you run through the course, you’ll encounter obstacles scattered throughout. A 5K course has at least 12, and our 15K course has 20. As for Tough Mudder Infinity…well, they keep coming as long as you keep running.
We host multiple distances within each event, so make sure to keep your eye out and follow the course split signs / distance markers for whichever course you signed up for – lest a 5K first-timer accidentally run an eight-hour Infinity and walk away more scarred than we would like.
Our obstacles are tough, but you’re tougher. Our events aren’t for everyone, but everyone has what it takes. Know that you can do it and lean on your teammates if you need.
5. Refuel at rest stops

You’re off to a strong start, but you don’t want to lose steam before reaching the finish line. Make a pit stop to refuel at one of our designated stations with a Grenade protein bar and Emerge hydration drink.
6. Don’t ignore our volunteers

Hopefully by now you’ve made some friends on the course, but if you need someone to give you a boost over Block Ness Monster or a leg up Pyramid Scheme, don’t be afraid to ask one of our volunteers. Our Volunteers are the driving force behind our events and create amazing life-changing experiences for our Mudders (you don’t earn the reputation of MVP for nothing).
7. Help your teammates

Mudders are tougher together.
Remember, our events are untimed, so pace yourself and soak in every glorious, muddy moment with your squad. There are no winners here—success is doing whatever it takes to get yourself, and your team, across the finish line.
Be ready to tackle our obstacles as a team, and lend a helping hand to others. You’ll be surprised at how much more you can accomplish working with your crew.
8. Cross the finish line dirtier than you ever thought possible

Finally, you did it. The Tough Mudder experience is euphoric, raw, thrilling, grueling, vulnerable and even overwhelming—but the gratification you feel at the finish line makes it all worth it. Take a moment to celebrate your accomplishment: you set your goal and you saw it through, and that’s something to feel proud of.
But the party doesn’t stop when you cross the finish line — in fact, it’s just getting started. We’ll crown you with one of our iconic orange headbands, a 2025 finisher medal, and T-shirt, to show the world you have what it takes to be a Mudder. Remember, finisher gear is earned, not given. Wear it with pride.
Once you’re decked out in your Mudder swag, crack open a cold can with your buds and toast to triumph with one of our partner beers or beverages.
And before you go, don’t forget to secure proof you and your squad actually did the damn thing—get a team photo taken (pics or it didn’t happen, am I right? Bonus points if you’re caked in mud).
9. Explore the festival village and keep the party going

The hard work is over, it’s time to party. Grab a bite, quench your thirst with a drink from Actiph Water, and celebrate with your fellow Mudders. This is a great time to meet new friends and start planning your next event together.
10. Head home exhausted, but accomplished

You may be all rinsed off, but the memories made in the mud will last a lifetime. Revel in your accomplishment, showcase your shiny new medal, and promise us you’ll throw those clothes in the laundry. Rest up, your next event will be here before you know it.