Tough Mudder to host first UAE event of 2024 in RAK next month

Tough Mudder, the world-famous obstacle course, makes its highly anticipated return to the UAE with a season-finale event in Ras Al Khaimah on April 20 in partnership with RAK Properties, official location partner of the challenge.

Having started the year with a hugely successful KSA Swing, featuring three community events in Riyadh, Jeddah, Dammam, followed by the inaugural Tough Mudder Infinity in AlUla, Tough Mudder hosts its first UAE race of 2024 at Mina Al Arab, Ras Al Khaimah next month.

The last UAE Tough Mudder event was held in November, when over 7,500 attendees pushed their bodies to the limit at Dubai’s Jebel Ali Racecourse, and the globally recognised obstacle course racing challenge will now return to Ras Al Khaimah following a hugely successful event in March 2023.

Nic Cartwright, Tough Mudder Middle East license holder, said: “Following four fantastic KSA events, which culminated with the region’s inaugural eight-hour endurance race in AlUla, we are excited to bring Tough Mudder back to the UAE. “Our UAE events are always very popular, and we look forward to seeing regular competitors, along with first-time participants, taking on an exciting course which will feature many new obstacles in Ras Al Khaimah next month.

“Tough Mudder events continue to grow in popularity across the region, as showcased by the thousands in attendance for our four KSA races, and we look forward to bringing the curtain down on what has been a wonderful season in Ras Al Khaimah.” There are two race options for adults, who can choose from either a 10k or 5k, while kids will also have the opportunity to compete in a 1.5k challenge. A new heat structure will see Premium Heats start from 7.15am to 9.45am with Standard Heats running from 10.00am until 12.30pm.

Surrounded by the turquoise waters of the Arabian Gulf, Mina Al Arab provides a picturesque backdrop for an event which is guaranteed to test the physical and mental capabilities of all competitors.

The Ras Al Khaimah event marks the climax of the current season, in which Tough Mudder challenges have attracted a combined total of over 20,000 competitors at locations across the Middle East such as Dubai, Fujairah and Jeddah.

Most recently, the ancient oasis city of AlUla, situated in the west of Saudi Arabia, played host to the region’s first-ever eight-hour endurance challenge, which boasted the largest prize pot ever seen for an obstacle course race at $480,000. The event witnessed the renewal of a longtime obstacle course racing men’s rivalry between Canada’s Ryan Atkins and the UK’s Jon Albon, who came out on top following a thrilling battle to walk away with the $80,000 prize money.