The international obstacle course event known as Tough Mudder will return to Westbrook this weekend for a second year, bringing thousands of people to Sunset Ridge Golf Links.
But whether you’re a “mudder” or a spectator, don’t expect the same course.
According to Hilary May, a director of event operations for Tough Mudder, the 2015 version of the event features several new or updated obstacles. May was on site Tuesday as construction crews were moving obstacles into place. The event features multiple waves of participants Saturday, Sept. 26 and Sunday, Sept. 27.
May said the company has a new course designer this year, which will lead to some new layouts.
“Some of our new 2015 obstacles, which made their debut earlier in the year, are coming to Westbrook,” she said.
This includes the new obstacle King of Swingers, as well as updated versions of Funky Monkey and Arctic Enema.
“It’s kind of become iconic for our 2015 event,” she said, referring to King of Swingers, where racers jump off a platform on a swing and try to hit a bell before falling in the water.
May said there will be other features on the course that will remain “surprises” for those returning to Westbrook this year.
For Sunset Ridge, it’s been a busy month. Allen Hayman, the owner of Sunset Ridge, said turnaround from the Insane Inflatable 5K, which was held the weekend of Sept. 12, was “nearly seamless.”
“Insane Inflatables were packed up and off the front 9 the evening of the event,” he said, adding that a golf tournament went off at 9 a.m. the morning after.
However, setting up for a Tough Mudder, which features large, complicated obstacles that require large machinery to install, isn’t easy.
“It is nice to have one under our belts so we know what to expect for this year,” he said.
As for the obstacles, Hayman is excited to watch something new, and says the layout will allow spectators to see more obstacles.
“We are having more obstacles in one area with the runners criss-crossing this ‘central’ obstacle area numerous times,” he said. “This means that spectators can set up shop and watch many different obstacles without having to travel long distances.”
A food outpost will be run by the Westbrook Fire Department, with all proceeds going to the department. Sunset Ridge will also be hosting a beer tent for spectators.
The attendance for the weekend is expected to reach 7,500. May said this is “on par” for the region, but Hayman described it as “a slightly lower” turnout from last year.
May said Tough Mudder will use the parking lot at Idexx Laboratories in Westbrook, as well as another empty lot, to shuttle participants back and forth throughout the weekend.
“Westbrook is one of our favorite places, and we’re really excited to be back,” she said.
Registration for Saturday or Sunday is $185. Spectators pay $20.
A participant in last year’s “Great Northeast” Tough Mudder in Westbrook shoots down an obstacle called “Fire in Your Hole.” This weekend, the event is expected to bring 7,500 people to Sunset Ridge in Westbrook.Send questions/comments to the editors.
