2026 WORLD'S TOUGHEST MUDDER COMPETITION RULES

• Contender / Elite Contender status can be earned through completion of 2025 and 2026 Tough Mudder Infinity events, 2025 Toughest Mudder events, 2025 Europe’s Toughest Infinity and 2025 and 2026 Spartan Ultra events, not through application. The only exception is that any prior Top 10 Overall finishers in the M/F individual categories at World's Toughest Mudder will prequalify for Elite Contender status. (Section 1.07)

• Contender / Elite Contender qualification will still convey specific perks, like early pit selection, exclusive bibs and priority position at the start line.

• Athlete's must not partake in the unauthorised resell of athlete specific discount codes. Any athlete found reselling codes, or any athlete benefitting from the resell of codes; will lose their Elite Contender or Contender status and risk being disqualified from the event without refund. 

• There will not be separate leaderboards for Open and Contender/Elite Contender categories. All individual athletes will be eligible for overall and age group podiums/awards (exception - Team Relay Participants and Adaptive Athletes). 

• To qualify as an official finisher, athletes and teams must complete a ‘Finisher Lap’ by the end of the 24 hour period. The criteria for a Finisher Lap for 2026 is: 

  • • • Athletes and Teams must complete a lap between 11:00:00 AM and  1:30:00 PM, Sunday, June 28th (Section 4.09).

• Each completed lap by an athlete will count as five (5) Official Miles towards their overall mileage count. Mileage completed as part of an obstacle penalty or obstacle loop (e.g. Hold Your Wood course route) will not count towards official mileage. (Section 4.01.1.4)

• All athletes registered to a team must complete the first -and- last lap of the race together, as a full team. All other laps may be completed (with the exception of the first and last lap) by only 1 team member on-course at a time, regardless of the overall size of the team. Teams may complete laps with 2 or more team members if desired.

• Teams may now disband in the following ways (Section 10.3): 

  • • • All members to be placed into Open category as individual Participants 

      • 4 person teams can disband to 3 or 2 person teams

      • 3 person teams can disband to a 2 person team

      • 2 person teams must disband to individuals in the open category. 

      • Mileage considerations will be taken into account as outlined in section 10.03

• NEW FOR 2026 there will be two (2) course completion variations for World’s Toughest Mudder; ‘A WEIGHT TO GO’ and ‘MORNING GLORY’ (see section 4.02). 

  • • All athletes on course for either variation must complete it in its entirety (with the exception of pre-agreed exemptions for Adaptive Athletes). 

    • Course variations are compulsory for all team members on course during the prescribed laps/time.

    • A WEIGHT TO GO

      • • Upon completion of lap 9 (45 miles), athletes must collect their bypass wristband and a weighted widget from the Race Centre before starting lap 10. 

        • The weighted widget must be on their person for the entirety of the course, including obstacle and penalty attempts/completion.

    • MORNING GLORY

      • • Morning Glory Rules apply between 09:00:00 AM and 11:00:00 AM to any athlete on course, regardless of their current position on the course route.

          1. • This variation is based solely on the time of day, not lap numbers.

        • During this period, any obstacle that remains open on the course will have to be attempted/completed TWICE before an athlete may continue on course.

Section 1.01 PURPOSE

To provide an official and consistent set of competition rules (“Competition Rules”) for World's Toughest Mudder (WTM) and all programs activities, ceremonies, receptions, and exhibitions associated with World's Toughest Mudder. 

Section 1.02 INTENTION

Competition Rules are intended to:

1. Facilitate fair play, equality, and sportsmanship;

2. Support ingenuity and skill without unduly limiting athletes; and

3. Penalize athletes who gain, or seek to gain, an unfair advantage

 Section 1.03 RACE DEFINITIONS

1. “Athlete” is a registered participant competing in World's Toughest Mudder.

2. “Race Director” is the person appointed by Tough Mudder to be in charge of race format and rule enforcement

3. “Medical Staff” are the persons appointed by Tough Mudder to be in charge of medical and safety operations during the event, in charge of health and wellness of all person/s onsite

4. “Race Official” are person/s appointed by Tough Mudder to enforce rules during the event

5. “Official Miles” will be the total number of completed 5-mile laps as measured by the official timing system.  Mileage measured by an athlete’s GPS tracker will not be taken into account to determine Official Miles.

6. “Team Category” or “Team Relay” refers to the Team Relay race category for teams of athletes composed of up to 4 athletes, officially registered as a team prior to the World's Toughest Mudder event weekend.

Section 1.04 RACE CHANGES

Tough Mudder Reserves the Right to:

1. Adjust or close the course and any of the course route and/or obstacles during the race at any time

2. Change, update, and determine obstacle operations during the race at any time

3. Change, update, and determine race timings during the race at any time

4. Settle any and all disputes through the Race Director, whose decision is final and not subject to appeal

Section 1.05 SPORTSMANSHIP

If Tough Mudder, from its own observation or upon receiving a report from any source, believes that a participant may have violated Article III or committed a gross breach of a rule, good manners, sportsmanship, or in any way has brought the sport into disrepute, that participant will face official review, potential disqualification, and/or removal from the site.

 Section 1.06 PARTICIPATION CATEGORIES

Athletes may participate in one of the following categories:

ADAPTIVE: 

Athletes may submit an application to request placement in one of the following adaptive athlete categories: Vision, Intellectual, Upper Extremity, Lower Extremity, Neuromuscular, Seated Athletes, Short Stature. Tough Mudder will work with athletes based on their individual circumstances.  For more information, please see our FAQs.

CONTENDER:  

Athletes can qualify for Contender and Elite Contender status by meeting certain eligibility requirements at 2025 and 2026 Tough Mudder Infinity events, 2025 Europe’s Toughest Infinity,  2025 Toughest Mudder events, and 2025 and 2026 Spartan Ultra events, not through application. Each of these statuses earn the athlete an exclusive bib, early pit selection, and priority position at the start line. See Section 1.07 for Contender Status Eligibility requirements. 

OPEN: 

All non-contender athletes participating as individuals will be considered part of the Open category. For 2026, Open category participants are eligible for podium positions, age group awards and prizes.

TEAM:

Teams of up to 4 athletes of any age or gender registered in the team category may compete as a team pursuant to the rules outlined in this document. A team comprised of only 1 athlete is not permitted to register for the Team Relay category. All teams, regardless of size, will be ranked against all other legally competing teams in this category.

Section 1.07 CONTENDER ELIGIBILITY

In order to be considered eligible for the Contender and Elite Contender categories, participants must meet one of the following criteria. 

• 2025/26 TOUGH MUDDER INFINITY ACHIEVEMENT:

  1. 1. 1. 1. Contender:

              1. Female participants who complete 40KM at a 2025 or 2026  Tough Mudder Infinity Event.

              2. Male participants who complete 45KM at a 2025 or 2026 Tough Mudder Infinity Event.

              3. Masters Female participants (age 50+ on the date of the qualifying race) who complete 35KM at a 2025 or 2026 Tough Mudder Infinity Event.

              4. Masters Male participants (age 50+ on the date of the qualifying race) who complete 40KM at a 2025 or 2026 Tough Mudder Infinity Event.

           2. Elite Contender:

              1. Female participants who complete 65KM at a 2025 of 2026 Tough Mudder Infinity Event

              2. Male participants who complete 70KM at a 2025 or 2026 Tough Mudder Infinity Event.

              3. In the event that a 2025 or 2026 Infinity event was/is officially shortened due to operational reasons, Elite Contender and Contender distance requirements will be reduced by 5km per hour reduction in completion time.

              4. For example; if the event is shortened by 1 hour in time, Elite Contender status will be 60km for Female participants and 65km for Male Participants. 

• 2025 EUROPE’S TOUGHEST INFINITY: 

  1. 1. 1. 1. Contender:

              1. Female participants who completed 45KM at 2025 Europe’s Toughest Infinity Event.

              2. Male participants who completed 50KM at 2025 Europe’s Toughest Infinity Event.

              3. Masters Female participants (age 50+ on the date of the qualifying race) who completed 40KM at 2025 Europe’s Toughest Infinity Event.

              4. Masters Male participants (age 50+ on the date of the qualifying race) who completed 45KM at 2025 Europe’s Toughest Infinity Event.

           2. Elite Contender:

              1. Female participants who completed 70KM at 2025 Europe’s Toughest Infinity Event.

              2. Male participants who completed 75KM at 2025 Europe’s Toughest Infinity Event.
                 
                 

• 2025 TOUGHEST MUDDER ACHIEVEMENT:

  1. Contender:

     1. Female participants who complete 30 miles at a 2025 Toughest Mudder Event.

     2. Male participants who complete 40 miles at a 2025 Toughest Mudder Event.

     3. Masters Female participants (age 50+ on the date of the qualifying race) who complete 25 miles at a 2025 Toughest Mudder Event.

     4. Masters Male participants (age 50+ on the date of the qualifying race) who complete 30 miles at a 2025 Toughest Mudder Event.

  2. Elite Contender:

     1. Female participants who complete 45 miles at a 2025 Toughest Mudder Event

     2. Male participants who complete 55 miles at a 2025 Toughest Mudder Event.
        
        

• 2025/26 SPARTAN ULTRA ACHIEVEMENT:

  1. Contender:

     1. Female participants who finish Top 3 their respective Age Group in the Female Category at a 2025 or 2026 Spartan Ultra Event.

     2. Male participants who finish Top 3 their respective Age Group in the Male Category at a 2025 or 2026 Spartan Ultra Event

  2. Elite Contender:

     1. Female participants who finish Top 3 Overall in the Female Category at a 2025 or 2026 Spartan Ultra Event.

     2. Male participants who finish Top 3 Overall in the Male Category at a 2025 or 2026 Spartan Ultra Event

• If an Adaptive Athlete has been able to reach Contender status level through participation in any of the event formats outlined above, the preferential pit selection and start line position will be applied to them. 

  1. All Adaptive Athletes are still required to wear the Official World’s Toughest Mudder Adaptive Athlete BIB for the duration of the event.

  2. Adaptive Athletes are not eligible for podium results. 

Section 1.08 GENDER IDENTITY POLICY

During the registration process, participants will be asked to register as either a "Male" or "Female" competitor. For individuals whose gender identity differs from their assigned gender (referred to hereafter as "transgender" individuals), the following registration / participation policies apply:

1. All transgender participants are eligible to compete in the category that corresponds with either their birth sex or their identified gender, but not both.

2. Transgender participants are required to consistently participate within the same gender category at all Tough Mudder events.

3. Transgender athletes that qualify for the “Contender” category at World’s Toughest Mudder will be required to participate in the same gender category as they did at their qualifying event, unless:

   • The qualifying event had a transgender policy that is deemed discriminatory, in which case the athlete is required to submit a written appeal to Tough Mudder, along with evidence of the discriminatory policy.

Gender transition through hormone therapy is not a prerequisite for participating in the category that corresponds to an individual's gender identity.

Transgender athletes that are undergoing hormone therapy are required to apply for a medical exception, prior to competing, for any banned substances implicated in the therapy (i.e. testosterone).

A transgender athlete that has participated in a category corresponding to their identified gender and subsequently elects to de-transition or otherwise no longer identifies as a given gender will be required to submit a written appeal to Tough Mudder prior to changing gender categories.

Section 2.01 TOP PRIZE

The “Top Prize” category is for the winners, runners up, and top places in each of the Men’s, Women’s, and Team categories. The winners, runners up, and top places in each category are eligible for prizing depending on their official race result. In order to be eligible for prizing, Athletes must meet the following criteria:

Top Prize Criteria:

1. Must be participating as an individual, not in the Team Category;

2. Must be compliant with official Conduct of Athletes (see Article III.)

3. Must be compliant with official Race Finish, Timing, and Results rules (see Article IV.)

4. Must not have been disqualified for any reason, at any time

5. Must not be an Adaptive Athlete

6. Must have the Race Director review, authorize, and approve final race timing and position

7. All winning participants must report to the Race Director immediately following the race to verify their position. Race position or claims will not be accepted after the event 

Prizing Allocation:

1ST PLACE MALE / FEMALE / TEAMS

$5,000 Prize money / Winners Award / '27 Season Pass + ‘27 WTM entry + entry into 1 other ‘27 Endurance event. 

2ND PLACE MALE / FEMALE / TEAMS

$2,500 Prize money / Winners Award / '27 Trifecta + ‘27 WTM entry + 50% off entry into 1 other ‘27 Endurance event.  

3RD PLACE MALE / FEMALE / TEAMS

$1,000 Prize money / Winners Award / ‘27 WTM entry

Section 2.02 AGE GROUP AWARDS

The “Age Group Awards” category is for recognition of the top places in allocated age brackets of both the Men’s and Women’s categories. These awards must be picked up at the Awards Brunch; they will not be mailed. Athletes must meet the following criteria:

Age Group Winner Criteria:

1. Must be participating as an individual, not in the Team Category;

2. Must be compliant with official Conduct of Athletes (see Article III.)

3. Must be compliant with official Race Finish, Timing, and Results rules (see Article IV.)

4. Must not have been disqualified for any reason at any time

5. Must not be a Top Prize winner

6. Must not be an Adaptive Athlete

7. Must have the Race Director review, authorize, and approve final race timing and position

Prizing Allocation:

AGE BRACKETS (MALE & FEMALE)

• 18-24

• 25-29

• 30-34

• 35-39

• 40-44

• 45-49

• 50 -54

• 55-59

• 60 & Up

AWARD

1st: Gold AG Medal 

2nd: Silver AG Medal

3rd: Bronze AG Medal

Section 2.03 ACHIEVEMENT AWARDS

1. “Achievement Awards” are earned during the course of the race by individuals achieving specific levels of performance.

2. In order to be eligible for Achievement Awards, athletes:

   1. Must be compliant with official Conduct of Athletes (see Article III.)

   2. Must be compliant with official Race Finish, Timing, and Results rules (see Article IV.)

   3. Must not have been disqualified at any point during the event

3. Mileage-based awards can be picked up at the awards tent upon the completion of an athlete's final lap. 

4. In order to earn mileage-based awards, athletes must meet all criteria to qualify as an "Official Finisher".

   2. 1. To qualify as an official finisher, athletes and teams must complete an active lap after 11:00:00 AM Sunday. Official Finisher Awards, including top prizes, mileage awards, and finisher medals, are only applicable to Official Finishers.

5. Athletes may only receive the mileage-based award corresponding to their maximum achievement level.

6. For athletes in the Team Category, mileage bibs are awarded based on the mileage run by each individual team member, not the cumulative mileage of the team.

ACHIEVEMENT LEVEL AWARD DISTRIBUTION

  Participation             World's Toughest Mudder Bib   Registration

  Participation             World's Toughest Mudder Tee   Registration

                    Official Finisher        World's Toughest Mudder Headband      Finish line (after 11am)

                    25 Miles Adaptive          25 Mile White/Grey Bib + Hex     Race Centre (Hex will be handed

                                                                                                 out at the finish line after 11am)

                       50 Miles                 50 Mile Brown Bib + Hex        Race Centre (Hex will be handed

                                                                                                 out at the finish line after 11am)

                       75 Miles                 75 Mile Silver Bib + Hex       Race Centre (Hex will be handed

                                                                + 75 mile buckle              out at the finish line after 11am)

                      100 Miles                 100 Mile Gold Bib + Hex       Race Centre (Hex rules apply & Orange 

                                                        + 100 Mile Cub Orange Jacket      Jacket will be handed out at Brunch)

                      125 Miles                 125 Mile Black Bib + Hex       Race Centre (Hex will be handed 

                                                          + Free Lifetime WTM entry         out at the finish line after 11am)

                 Fastest 1st Lap (M/F)         Sprint Lap Champion Bib                Race Centre 

                                                            + 1 x Infinity entry         

Section 2.04 COURSE BYPASS AWARDS

Obstacle Bypass Awards:

1. Obstacle Bypass Awards are available to participants in all race categories (Adaptive, Open, Contender, Elite Contender, and Team Relay) 

2. Upon completion of 25 miles, athletes will receive (1) rubber wristband. This wristband can be given to a volunteer at any obstacle to bypass that obstacle.

3. (1) rubber wristband will be given to each athlete upon completion of each subsequent lap after 25 miles. 

4. For athletes in the Team Category, Obstacle Bypass Wristbands are awarded based on the mileage run by each individual team member, not the cumulative mileage of the team.

5. A team wishing to bypass an obstacle must redeem (1) rubber wristband for each member of the team. 

6. Obstacles may be bypassed on an individual basis. Members of a team will not need to bypass the same obstacle if more than one member of a team are on-course together. If one member of the team chooses to bypass an obstacle, that team member must redeem (1) wristband for themselves; however, the other team member(s) may choose to complete the obstacle and would not need to redeem a wristband.

7. Participants may not transfer wristbands to other participants at any point during the race. Any athlete caught giving and/or receiving wristbands to/from other athletes will be subject to disqualification. The sole exception to this rule is Team Category participants, who may share wristbands between members of the same team.

8. Wristbands do not need to be used straight away. Participants may wish to collect multiple in order to bypass a number of obstacles on one particular lap. 

9. Participants must return any unused wristbands along with their timing chip to the Race Centre at the conclusion of the event. 

Race Director Awards:

1. Race Director Challenges are available to all athletes

2. Race Director Challenges will be available throughout the race. Completion of these challenges will earn prizes

3. Details on the Race Director challenges will be published as an addendum to the Rule of Competition prior to the event weekend

4. All Race Director challenges are subject to change

Section 3.01 GENERAL BEHAVIOR

Each participating Athlete must:

1. Practice good sportsmanship at all times;

2. Be responsible for his/her own safety and the safety of others;

3. Know, understand, and follow all Competition Rules, as stated herein;

4. Obey instructions from Race Officials and treat referees, officials, volunteers, spectators, the public, and other athletes with respect and courtesy;

5. Inform a Race Official promptly after losing a timing chip or missing a timing mat;

6. Inform a Race Official promptly after withdrawing from the race;

7. Compete without receiving assistance from non-participants;

8. Not dispose of trash or equipment on the course (except at aid stations or other designated trash‐disposal points). Intentional or careless littering may result in disqualification;

9. Clear out designated Pit space of all personal belongings, food, supplies and trash before leaving the event site at the conclusion of the race. If left in a disorderly fashion, race officials have the right to penalize the Athlete.

10. Not gain or attempt to gain any unfair advantage from any external vehicle or object;

11. Follow the prescribed course. It is the athlete’s responsibility to know the course. Athletes must cover the prescribed course in its entirety. Failure to do so will result in immediate disqualification;

Section 3.02 ANTI-DOPING

Each athlete acknowledges notice of the Anti‐Doping Rules (as such term is defined below), and acknowledges that he/she is bound by, confirms he/she shall comply with, and voluntarily consents to all provisions of the Anti‐Doping Rules.

1. “Anti‐Doping Rules” means all anti‐doping rules adopted by World's Toughest Mudder including, without limitation, the World Anti‐Doping Code (the “WADA Code”), the International Standards and List of Prohibited Substances and Prohibited Methods (the “Prohibited List”) as issued by the World Anti‐Doping Agency (“WADA”), and all other rules, policies, and/or procedures adopted by World's Toughest Mudder.

2. As an exception to the WADA rules, Tough Mudder does not recognize marijuana as a banned substance and no tested athlete will be disqualified for the presence of marijuana in blood or urine. 

3. Each athlete acknowledges that the WADA Code and WADA’s Prohibited List may be amended from time to time and at any time by WADA without notice to Athlete other than, as the case may be, posting such amendments on WADA’s website.

4. Each athlete is personally responsible for knowing what constitutes a violation of the Anti‐Doping Rules (including, without limitation, all substances and methods that have been included on the Prohibited List). Certain medications, common beverages, supplements and other “over‐the‐counter” or otherwise legal products may contain banned substances.

5. Each athlete is fully responsible for knowing what substances are banned in accordance with the Prohibited List and for monitoring his/her own compliance with the Anti‐Doping Rules;

6. All Contender athletes consent to random testing at Tough Mudder’s sole discretion;

7. If World's Toughest Mudder suspects any athlete of being in violation of any of these terms, Tough Mudder reserves the right to investigate and disqualify at Tough Mudder’s discretion.

Section 3.03 ATHLETE ELIGIBILITY

Each Athlete must:

1. Be at least 18 years old by the day of the event

2. Not commit fraud by registering for World's Toughest Mudder under an assumed name or age, falsifying, an affidavit or giving false information or they will be disqualified;

3. Not partake in the unauthorised resell of athlete specific discount codes. Any athlete found reselling codes, or any athlete benefitting from the resell of codes; will lose their Elite Contender or Contender status and risk being disqualified from the event without refund;

4. Attest that they are medically cleared and physically capable of participating prior to competing World's Toughest Mudder;

5. Registered prior to race start;

6. Sign a World's Toughest Mudder Participant waiver before the start of World's Toughest Mudder;

7. Attest that they have a high level of swim experience and swim ability prior to competing in World's Toughest Mudder;

   1. 1. 1. 1. High level of swim ability is determined by ability to swim a minimum of 100 meters, without assistance

Section 4.01 RACE PROCEDURE

1. World’s Toughest Mudder athletes will have 24 hours to complete as many laps of the course as possible;

   1. 1. 1. 1. All athletes will be given an additional 90 minutes, following the 24 hour period, to complete their last active lap

            2. At  1:30:00 PM Sunday, all Athletes will be removed from course and the race will officially end;

            3. Athletes on an active lap at this time, but unable to finish prior to 1:30:00 PM on Sunday will be brought in by Tough Mudder Race Officials at course close;

            4. Athletes will not be disqualified if still on course at 1:30:00 PM on Sunday, and are still eligible to be a 24-hour finisher;

            5. Only the last full lap completed before 1:30:00 PM on Sunday will count towards the official race record

2. The hours of competition will begin 12:00:00 PM, Saturday and end 1:30:00 PM, Sunday;

   1. 1. 1. 1. The official event start will take place at 12:00:00 PM Saturday, June 27.

            2. All competitors must be present at the start of the race at  12:00:00 PM and begin their first lap within the first 15 minutes of the race

            3. No competitors will be allowed to begin a new lap after 12:00:00 PM Sunday, at which point the start line will be closed

            4. The finish line will close at exactly 1:30:00 PM Sunday, after which time no official results will be recorded

3. The winners of World’s Toughest Mudder will be the Male, Female, and Team Relay who complete the most complete laps in the 25hr30m time period; 

4. Each completed lap by an athlete will count as five (5) Official Miles towards their overall mileage count. 

   1. 1. 1. 1. Mileage completed as part of an obstacle penalty or obstacle loop (e.g. Hold Your Wood course route) will not count towards official mileage.

5. If one or more Athletes or Teams completes the same number of laps in the 25hr30m time period, the Athlete or Team who completed the last “full” lap first will be awarded the higher place, regardless of who is ahead on the last lap;

   1. 1. 1. 1. Example: Athlete A completes Lap 8 at 12:15:00 PM Sunday, and Athlete B completes Lap 8 at 12:20:00 PM Sunday. If at 1:30:00 PM Sunday, neither Athlete has completed Lap 9, but Athlete B is ahead on that lap. Athlete A will be placed higher than B

            2. Example: Team A completes Lap 8 at 12:15:00 PM Sunday, and Team B completes Lap 8 at 12:20:00 PM Sunday. If at  1:30:00 PM Sunday, neither Team has completed Lap 9, but Team B is ahead on that lap. Team A will be placed higher than B

6. An Athlete will be judged as finished the moment any part of his/her torso crosses a vertical line extending from the leading edge of the finish line;

7. A Team will be judged as finished the moment any part of the torso of the final team member of the team crosses a vertical line extending from the leading edge of the finish line. 

Section 4.02 COURSE COMPLETION VARIATIONS

1. NEW for 2026; there will be two (2) course completion variations for World’s Toughest Mudder. 

2. All athletes on course for either variation must complete it in its entirety (with the exception of pre-agreed exemptions for Adaptive Athletes). 

3. It is the sole responsibility of each Athlete to know and follow the prescribed variation at the correct lap/times. 

4. Course variations are compulsory for all team members on course during the prescribed laps/time. 

5. VARIATION 1: A WEIGHT TO GO

   1. 1. Upon completion of lap 9 (45 miles), athletes must collect their bypass wristband and a weighted widget from the Race Centre before starting lap 10. 

         1. 1. The bypass wristband for this specific lap will be an alternative colour to all other bypass wristbands. 

            2. This wristband can be used the same way as any other bypass wristband on course.

      2. Before leaving the start area athletes will be checked to ensure that, if they have the alternative colour wristband, the weighted widget is on their person before entering the course. 

      3. The weighted widget must be on their person for the entirety of the course, including obstacle and penalty attempts/completion.

         1. 1. Where obstacles are not suitable for completion with the weighted widget, athletes will be briefed prior to the event start. At these obstacles, the widget may be placed to the side of the obstacle only for the attempt.

               1. 1. If the obstacle is failed, the weighted widget must be collected and on the athlete's person before the penalty is undertaken.

                  2. If the obstacle is completed successfully, the weighted widget must be collected and on the athlete's person before the athlete can continue on course. 

      4. Upon completion of lap 10 (50 miles), athletes must return their weighted widget to the race centre. 

         1. 1. If an athlete completes Lap 10 without using their alternative colour wristband, they may exchange it for a standard bypass wristband.

      5. For Teams, PERFECT 10 applies to the Teams 10th lap. 

         1. 1. Any team member who is on course for the team’s 10th lap is required to have a weighted widget on their person.

            2. Any team member participating in the team’s 10th lap who has not personally completed Lap 9 must exchange one of their standard bypass wristbands for the alternative colour wristband for the purpose of this lap.

               1. 1. Any team member who has not yet personally qualified for a bypass wristband cannot complete this lap. 

                  2. Any Team member who does not have a standard bypass wristband available to swap for the alternative coloured one, cannot complete this lap. 

            3. All other PERFECT 10 rules (as outlined above) apply to every team member completing the 10th lap.

6. VARIATION 2: MORNING GLORY

   1. 1. Morning Glory Rules apply between 09:00:00 AM and 11:00:00 AM to any  athlete on course, regardless of their current position on the course route.

         1. 1. This variation is based solely on time, not lap numbers.

      2. During this period, any obstacle that remains open on the course will have to be attempted/completed TWICE before an athlete may continue on course.

         1. 1. Where the obstacle is a penalty obstacle, every failure requires a penalty completion. 

               1. 1. Example:  Athlete A completes a penalty obstacle on the first attempt but fails the second attempt. They must complete one penalty after the second attempt.

                  2. Example:  Athlete B fails the first attempt at a penalty obstacle and must complete the penalty before the second attempt. If they fail the obstacle again on the second attempt, they must complete the penalty again before continuing on course.

      3. A bypass wristband will still only count for one use. If you wish to avoid an obstacle twice, two bypass wristbands will need to be used. 

Section 4.03 DISQUALIFICATION

1. Any disqualification (excluding voluntary dropouts or Medical DQ) will result in forfeiture of all official miles gained in the event and the Athlete will no longer be eligible for top placement, prizes, or awards. Their timing chip will be deactivated upon disqualification.

2. Athletes may be disqualified for offenses including but not limited to cheating, course cutting, or unsportsmanlike behavior.

3. Any allegations of cheating must be made in person to the Race Director for review and decision

4. Cheating allegations must follow the process set out below: 

   1. Allegations of cheating or unsportsmanlike behaviour must be made in person at the Race Center directly to the Race Director. 

   2. Allegations will need to be made in writing before the final course closure time. 

   3. Allegations/ reports must be first hand; made by an eyewitness including all details, as well as the racers bib number. It may also include details of any other witnesses involved. 

   4. Secondhand reports of cheating or unsportsmanlike behaviour will not be accepted

   5. Decisions made by the Race Director on site during the event are final and not subject to appeal

5. To avoid disqualification Athletes must abide by the following requirements:

   1. All athletes must wear a bib and timing chip at all times;

   2. All athletes must complete every lap and every open obstacle (or associated penalty) in its entirety;

   3. If pursuing an active lap, Athletes must stay on the marked course at all times;

   4. Athletes must maintain the prescribed course direction at all times;

   5. Athletes must abide by the directions/instructions of Race Officials at all times

6. All Athletes must complete every obstacle in its entirety;

   1. If an Athlete is unable to complete an obstacle which has not been designated as a “must complete” obstacle, a penalty option will be available

   2. If an Athlete cannot complete the associated penalty, they must forfeit their timing chip and no further laps will be counted towards overall mileage

   3. If there is no penalty option and the Athlete is unable to complete the obstacle, they must forfeit their timing chip and no further laps will be counted towards overall mileage;

   4. If an Athlete attempts to continue on course without having successfully completed an obstacle or its associated penalty, they will be immediately disqualified from the event without any further option to voluntarily dropping

7. If transitioning or resting in the Pit between laps, Athletes must stay within the boundaries of the defined Pit area at all times; 

8. Any Athlete found to be outside of the marked course or Pit boundary will be disqualified;

9. It is the sole responsibility of each Athlete to know and follow the prescribed course route, obstacle sequencing, and Pit boundaries;

10. Any Athlete receiving on-course assistance from a non-registered athlete will be immediately disqualified;

    1. Registered Athletes may provide assistance to each other on course. If a particular athlete is found to have skipped obstacles or taken a shorter course route to facilitate direct assistance for another athlete, both the athlete giving assistance and the athlete receiving assistance may be subject to disqualification at the discretion of the Race Director. 

    2. Registered Athletes may provide assistance to each other in the Pit Area

    3. Pit Crew may only provide assistance within the designated pit area; they may not provide any support, such as physical help, food, beverages, supplies, equipment or clothing outside of the designated pit area

    4. Athletes may not use electronic communication devices while on-course to communicate with Pit Crew.

11. If an Athlete is disqualified, they must immediately remove and turn in their timing chip

Section 4.04 VOLUNTARY DROPOUT & MEDICAL DISQUALIFICATION

1. Any athlete who wishes to voluntarily drop out of the race, or an athlete who receives a Medical Disqualification, whether in the Pit Area between laps or on course in pursuit of an active lap, must notify race officials and turn in their timing chip.

   1. 1. 1. 1. The Athlete’s last completed full lap and associated time will still be valid

            2. The athlete will remain eligible for official miles, prizes, and awards based on their last completed full lap only if they have already met all criteria to be an "Official Finisher" prior to dropout or Medical Disqualification

2. If an Athlete cannot complete an obstacle or penalty and instead elects to voluntarily dropout, they may continue to complete laps but will only be credited with the last full completed lap before the removal of their timing chip.

3. See Article VIII for further medical rules

Section 4.05 PROTEST PERIOD

1. The Athlete protest period for penalties, timing and results, and disqualifications issued ends 15 minutes prior to the official event end. 

2. It is each Athlete’s responsibility to check for penalties, timing and results, and disqualifications issued.

3. Any protest an Athlete wishes to raise regarding issues that affect the outcome of the race must be brought to the Race Director before the end of the protest period and in accordance with the process outlined in section 4.03.

4. Tough Mudder reserves the right to change race standings or race day decisions after the event in the case of unsportsmanlike conduct and/or intentional or malicious breaking of rules,  including but not limited to the failing of any Anti-Doping and Drug Control protocols administered by Tough Mudder or a third party designated as an official drug tester by Tough Mudder.

Section 4.06 EXPULSION

Tough Mudder reserves the right to immediately remove from site Athletes, spectators, and Pit Crew who demonstrate unsportsmanlike, dangerous, or offensive conduct during the entirety of the event weekend.

Section 4.07 SWIM CONDUCT

1. Athletes must complete every marked swim section and/or swim penalty in its entirety;

2. Athletes may use a wetsuit at any time during the race;

3. Athletes cannot use additional equipment to gain advantage in swim sections

   1. Including, but not limited to: rafts, swim fins, large inflatables

   2. Athletes are allowed to carry select equipment during swim sections, including: Backpacks, gear packs, life vests, water wings

   3. All equipment used must be carried in and out by the Athlete. Items cannot be stored or left at water crossings or on course.  Any athlete doing so will be disqualified.

4. Athletes cannot gain advantage through medical or water safety assistance;

5. Athletes who require in-water assistance, rescue, or swim support that facilitates forward progress, may be disqualified and asked to end their race;

6. The World's Toughest Mudder Race Director, Medical Staff and Water Safety reserve the right to disqualify and expel any Athlete deemed unsuitable to be in the water.

Section 4.08 TIMING

1. Athletes must wear a timing chip at all times during the race.

2. It is the sole responsibility of each athlete to ensure their timing chip is secure and worn at all times.

3. It is the sole responsibility of each athlete to notify a race official if a timing chip is lost or malfunctions at any time.

4. Failure to report a lost/malfunctioning chip to the Race Center may result in disqualification from the event.

5. All timing chips must be returned to the Race Center at the conclusion of the event. 

6. Athletes that do not return a timing chip are subject to a $75 fine for replacement of the chip. 

Section 4.09 RACE FINISH 

In order to be eligible for top prizes, mileage awards, and/or receive the official 24-hour Headband, every athlete must complete a “Finisher Lap” by the end of the 24 hour period.  The criteria for the Finisher Lap are:

1. Athletes and Teams must complete a lap between 11:00:00 AM and  1:30:00 PM, Sunday, June 28th or otherwise be in pursuit of that lap;

2. Athletes and Teams must start their last lap before 12:00:00 PM. After that time the start chute will officially close and no new laps will be permitted;

3. Athletes and Teams who do not complete an active lap (or who are not in active pursuit of a lap) after 11:00:00 AM Sunday will not be eligible for Official Finisher Awards, including top prizes, mileage awards, and finisher medals.

4. Athletes and Teams on an active lap, but unable to finish prior to 1:30:00 PM remain eligible for top prizes and the 24-hour Headband, without penalty;

5. Only the last full lap completed will count towards the official race record

Participants are allowed to bring any and all necessary supplies necessary to support an overnight endurance and running event; however, Race Officials have the right to remove dangerous and/or illegal objects for any reason at any time. 

 Section 5.01 PIT AREA

1. Pit Area;

   1. The Pit Area will be a designated event space where each participant will be provided space for the storage of tent(s), gear, food, and other supplies during the event

   2. Each individual participant will be provided a 10'x10' space

   3. Each team, regardless of size, will be provided (2) 10'x10' spaces per team

   4. Participants must keep all personal items within their designated space in the Pit Area

   5. Athletes are allowed to share a pit space if desired

   6. Only registered Athletes and Support Crew will be allowed entry into the Pit Area

2. Participants must pass through the finish line before entering the pit area.

3. Participants will begin their lap after exiting the pit area, crossing the start line.

4. Participants must clear designated storage space of all personal belongings, food, supplies and trash before leaving the event site at the conclusion of the race. If left in a disorderly fashion, race officials have the right to retroactively disqualify Athletes. 

5. No vehicles are allowed within the designated pit area, inclusive of camper vans. 

Section 5.02 LEGAL EQUIPMENT

Items allowed include, but are not limited to:

• • Running/Trail shoes

  • Tents/Camping Supplies

  • Wetsuits/Life Jacket

  • Camera/GPS/Headlamp/Flasher

  • Backpack/Water Pack/Gear Pack

  • Cooler/Food/Water/Supplies

  • Basic Running Clothing

  • Hats/Scarves/Bandanas/Gloves

  • Face Masks/Goggles

  • Service Animals

 Section 5.03 ILLEGAL EQUIPMENT 

1. Additional equipment not listed is subject to Race Official review;

2. Items deemed unfair or hazardous may be confiscated or requested that they be removed from course/pit during the race;

3. Official World's Toughest Mudder race bib must be worn and visible at all times during race;

4. Tough Mudder officials reserve the right to request that participants remove any clothing or race gear containing unofficial graphics, logos, or brand names;

5. Failure to comply with a Race Officials request may result in disqualification or expulsion

6. Items not allowed include, but are not limited to:

   • Generators

   • Heaters/Warmers/Cooking appliances

   • Gasoline/Fuel

   • Swim Fins/Rafts

   • Weapons/Firearms

   • Performance Enhancing Drugs

   • Illicit/Illegal Drugs per local law

   • Pets/Animals

   • Cleats/Walking poles

Participants are allowed the assistance of a selected “Pit Crew” to support them during competition. The “Pit Crew” will not be provided by Tough Mudder, and will only be arranged by the Athletes themselves

Pit Crew Rules:

1. Pit Crew is allowed complete access to the Pit Area, with unlimited entries and exits as needed

2. Pit Crew must be registered to an Athlete at event registration; only registered Pit Crew will be permitted to enter the Pit Area

3. Any Pit Crew under the age of 12 must be accompanied by a parent or guardian at all times

4. Support Crew must wear official Pit Crew BIB at all times to designate their official status to race officials.

5. The following “Pit Crew” support is allowed:

   1. 1. 1. 1. Accessing equipment and supplies in the Athlete’s assigned Pit Area space;

            2. Updating Athlete on positions of other Athletes;

            3. Provision of food within the confines of the Pit Area (Pit Crew will have access to microwaves in the Hospitality Tent or they may bring cooked food from elsewhere] ;

            4. Assistance changing clothing/equipment within the confines of the Pit Area;

            5. Providing verbal support to Athlete on-course and/or receiving discarded clothing/equipment, so long as the section of course is not deemed off-limits and the Pit Crew member does not enter the official course path at any time

6. The following Pit Crew conduct is strictly prohibited and will result in a disqualification of the associated Athlete:

   1. 1. 1. 1. Interfering or harassing other Athletes;

            2. Pacing of the Athlete on the course;

            3. Providing Athletes with food, liquids, equipment, or any other aid outside of official designated pit areas;

            4. Communicating electronically with the athlete while they are on course;

            5. Swapping timing chip or official Pit Crew credentials;

            6. Accessing any part of the course path, except at designated course crossings

Official nighttime rules are between 8:00:00 PM on Saturday and 4:45:00 AM on Sunday. During this time the following course changes will be observed:

1. All on course Athletes must wear a headlamp on the front of the head / torso and safety strobe flasher or glowstick on the rear of the head/back

2. It is the sole responsibility of the Athlete to ensure they have a headlamp and safety strobe flasher/glow stick at all times while on course during nighttime rules

3. If an Athlete loses, breaks, or does not have a headlamp and a safety strobe flasher/glow stick they may not start another lap and must remain in the Pit during nighttime rules

Race Officials and Medical Officials may require any Athlete to submit to a medical check at any time throughout the race. If an Athlete is determined to be unfit to continue in the competition, the Athlete will be removed from the race and will receive a Medical Disqualification. The Senior Medical Official’s decision is final and not subject to appeal. 

1. Athletes requiring medical transport from the course to the medical tent will automatically be flagged to the Race Center for medical disqualified;

2. Athletes may receive medical treatment on course; with the level of acceptable on course treatment to be determined by Senior Medical Officials. If an athlete receives medical treatment on course, does not receive unauthorized assistance in making forward progress on course, and is determined to be fit to continue in the competition by Senior Medical Officials, they will be allowed to continue in the competition without a medical disqualification;

3. Athletes who self-transport to the medical facility in the pit area may receive treatment and rejoin the race if permitted by medical staff. There is no time limit for the treatment of non-heat related ailments.

4. Should any concerns be raised by the event staff, other racers or medical staff; a pre-agreed cognitive function test will be conducted by the medical team at the location of the concern. Should the individual not answer 4 out of 5 questions correctly, the clinical director will assess at the location the individual's fitness to continue. 

5. Athletes seeking treatment in the medical facility for heat-related ailments will be held to a firm 30-minute time limit, after which time they will be flagged to the Race Center for medical disqualification

6. All medical disqualifications will be flagged to the Race Center for ratification before being final. Timing chips should be handed in/ removed at the Race Center and should not be removed by the medical team.

7. Athletes that feel they may have been improperly issued a medical disqualification should immediately notify the Race Center as soon as possible. 

The first lap of World's Toughest Mudder will begin immediately following the start of the race at 12:00:00 PM and the following conditions will be observed:

1. Obstacles will open on a rolling basis throughout the event;

2. Athletes will be expected to follow course marking and direction from obstacle staff;

3. Obstacles will be opened at the discretion of the Race Director and TMHQ staff;

4. The Sprint Lap award will be awarded to the athletes in the Male and Female Individual category who complete the fastest first lap:

   1. 1. 1. 1. The Sprint Lap will be the fastest first lap of competition officially starting at 12:00:00 PM;

            2. The winner will be the first Male Athlete and first Female Athlete to cross the final timing mat after 12:00:00 PM

The following rules pertain to Athletes registered in the Team competition only. 

Section 10.01 ELIGIBILITY

1. Teams must have registered in the Team Relay category and received approval from TMHQ Race Director prior to the start of the event. 

2. Teams of up to 4 athletes, of any age or gender, registered in the Team Category may compete as a team. A team comprised of only 1 athlete is not permitted to register for the Team Category. 

3. All athletes registered to a team must complete the first -and- last lap of the race together, as a full team. Team members must cross all timing mats within 60 seconds of each other on the first -and- last lap. 

4. If any member of a team is disqualified from the competition due to cheating or rules infraction, the entire team is subject to disqualification;

5. Team Relay participants are not eligible for individual category medals, individual age group awards, or individual prizing

6. Team Relay participants are eligible for individual mileage achievement awards (bibs, patches, and belt buckles only) for the mileage they individually complete.

7. Team Relay participants are eligible for Team Relay Awards and Prizes.

Section 10.02 TEAM RACE PROCEDURE

1. All team members must complete the first and last lap of the event together as a team;

2. All other laps may be completed (with the exception of the first -and- last lap) with 1 or more team members on-course at a time, regardless of the overall size of the team

3. Teams are not required to complete laps with a team member (exception first -and- last lap). Teams may complete laps with 2 or more team members together, if desired; however, team members may complete laps without any teammates present, if desired.

4. Team members on the first lap and last lap must cross all timing mats within 60 seconds of each other. For all other laps, all team members on an active lap will no longer need to cross timing mats within 60 seconds of each other. For all other laps, all team members may be on-course at a different point on-course than all of their teammates.

5. A team athlete only needs to complete a penalty if they themselves are unable to complete the associated obstacle. Team members will not need to complete a penalty if any single team member is unable to complete the associated obstacle.

6. Each team athlete will have an individual timing chip and will be eligible for individual mileage rewards, including mileage patches, bibs, and buckles. Only miles totaled by the individual athlete, not that of the team, will count towards individual mileage awards;

7. Each athlete on a team will be required to fulfill the requisite criteria, as an individual, for Official Finisher rewards in order to be eligible for their receipt

8. Only miles calculated by the team timing chip will count towards the team mileage total. Only team mileage will be utilized to calculate Team Relay Awards and Prizes.

9. The athlete carrying the Team Timing Chip is permitted to transfer (or hand-off) the Team Timing Chip to a team member during an Active Lap to another team member on an Active Lap. 

10. The transfer of the Team Timing Chip cannot advance the mileage completed of the Active Lap in-progress. 

11. In order for a legal transfer to occur during an Active Lap, all team members involved in the transfer must each:

    1. 1. 1. 1. Be in-progress of an Active Lap.

             2. Be at identical locations on-course during an Active Lap.

             3. Have identical mileage of the Active Lap completed prior to the transfer occurring.

             4. Have identical mileage of the Active Lap left remaining following the transfer occurring.

             5. E.g. Participant A & Participant B of Team Relay Team “Team 1” must each have completed 3.47 miles of the Active Lap prior to the transfer of the Team Timing Chip occurring. Participant A & Participant B of the same team must each have remaining 1.53 miles of the Active Lap after the transfer of the Team Timing Chip has occurred. 

Section 10.03 DISBANDING

1. Teams may disband during the course of the event, for the following reasons:

   1. 1. 1. 1. Medical disqualification of one or more team members

            2. Voluntary dropout of one or more team members

            3. Team members electing to continue the race as individuals

2. In the event that a team is either forced or wishes to disband, they must immediately notify the Race Director at the Race Center to be reassigned as individuals in the Open category

3. Teams may not disband during an active lap, unless a team member is medically disqualified.

4. If a team separates for any reason other than a medical disqualification at any point in an active lap prior to officially disbanding with the Race Director, that lap will not count towards the individual mileage of team members

5. Teams may disband in the following ways: 

   1. 1. 1. All members to be placed into Open category as individual Participants 

         2. 4 person teams can disband to 3 or 2 person teams

            2. 1. Any members being removed from a team will have their cumulative individual team mileage count stripped from the overall team distance. 

                  1. 1. Cumulative individual team mileage correlates to any lap where that team member was in possession of the team timing chip

                     2. This is not inclusive of the first lap in which all team members must run together and will remain as part of the overall team mileage. 

         3. 3 person teams can disband to a 2 person team

            2. 1. Any members being removed from a team will have their cumulative individual team mileage count stripped from the overall team distance. 

                  1. 1. Cumulative individual team mileage correlates to any lap where that team member was in possession of the team timing chip

                     2. This is not inclusive of the first lap in which all team members must run together and will remain as part of the overall team mileage. 

         4. 2 person teams must disband to individuals in the open category. 

6. Participants disbanding from a team will be placed in the Open category, regardless of whether they had previously earned Contender eligibility. Athletes registered in the Team Category are not eligible for individual category medals, individual age group awards, or individual prizing.

7. Teams that disband will be ineligible for Team Relay Awards and Prizes.

Section 10.04 DISQUALIFICATION

All general rules from section 4.02 above apply.  In addition:

1. Any team wishing to disband at any time during the race and continue on as individuals must do so while all team members are in the Pit and while not in pursuit of an active lap;

2. If at any time, team members are disqualified due to a rules infraction or medical disqualification while on course in pursuit of an active lap, all team members are subject to disqualification