Local Mom selected as Tough Mudder Brand Ambassador

The application process to become an ambassador began in December and Nikki Perry was selected and notified in early January. Just under 200 brand ambassadors nationwide were selected.

“I was excited to complete the application process and proud to have been selected”, says the 48 year-old mom, Granby native and Simsbury resident.

Tough Mudder is an endurance event series in which participants attempt obstacle courses that test mental as well as physical strength. The obstacles often play on common human fears, such as fire, water, electricity and height. The main principal of the event revolves around teamwork. The organization values camaraderie and teamwork throughout the course, designing obstacles that encourage group participation. Mudders commit to helping others complete the course, putting teammates before themselves and overcoming fears. To date, more than 3 million people worldwide have participated in Tough Mudder events, making it one of the world’s fastest growing athletic events. This year, they plan on 85 events in the United States alone. Each year, Tough Mudder partners with a national charity and encourages their participants to fundraise for the chosen organization.

Tough Mudder is open to participants from age14 and up (depending upon the venue) and some locations even offer “Mini Mudder” for the 12 and under crowd. Participants can choose which event is right for them - the full at 10-12 miles and 20-25 obstacles or the half, at 5 miles and 10-15 obstacles. They also offer a 5k with 10 obstacles at certain venues. There are even competitive events for people interested in pushing themselves further to possibly earn prize money.

As a Brand Ambassador, Perry is charged with recruiting 30 new “mudders” (as a participant is called) to run an event in 2018, as well as holding local activations to motivate and bring people interested in participating together. “I’ll plan some hikes or runs and other active events as well as attend local wellness fairs. A 30% discount code is available to first time mudders for the Full or Half event, a 25% discount code for the 5K and a special 20% code for the competitive Tough Mudder X, a one mile cross-fit style sprint.” says Perry. “I fell in love with the fun and spirit of a Tough Mudder course and am excited to share it with newcomers to the sport.”

“You complete the course at your own pace. It’s about being your best, not anyone else’s. Lots of people get a group together and go as a team. I’ve seen “Muddy Moms”, “Dirty Doctors” and people in all sorts of costumes. But, even if you go on your own, there will always be someone there to lend a hand.” remarks Perry, who has been participating in obstacle course racing since 2013 and did her first Tough Mudder in 2014. To date, she has completed 40 Tough Mudder events, including 3 World’s Toughest Mudders, a 24 hour endurance event, and hopes to reach over 50 events this year. “No matter what event you participate in, the sense of accomplishment you’ll get when you cross that finish line is amazing! And, you’ll have made a bunch of brand new friends.”

This year, the closest venues to Connecticut are in Charlton, Massachusetts, Gilford, New Hampshire and Saugerties, New York. Terrain type varies from course to course; natural features of the land at each venue are incorporated into the course design. Past venues include motocross tracks, ski resorts and ranches.

“Besides the challenge and the people, I think that’s one of the reasons I keep coming back for more.” claims Perry, “Even if you have run a venue before, the course will be different and Tough Mudder introduces new obstacles each year, keeping you challenged and having fun.”

Anyone interested in learning more about Tough Mudder can visit the company’s website; toughmudder.com for a full list of events and locations, plus training and nutritional tips and videos.

“If you decide that Tough Mudder is something you want to try, get in touch with me at nikkiperry8@yahoo.com so I can share my discounts.” conveys Perry. “Whether you’re a seasoned athlete or just starting your fitness journey, there’s a Tough Mudder event that’s right for you. As our starting line emcee, Sean Corvelle asks, When was the LAST time YOU did something for the FIRST time?”