Competitors check in for the Tough Mudder July 29, 2023, at Ceraland.
The Republic file photo
The Tough Mudder Indiana returns once again to Columbus.
Up to 4,000 competiors will make their way to Ceraland Park, where the event takes place Saturday and Sunday.
“It’s been so far, so good,” Ceraland director Jim Kreutzjans said. “The convey of semis have showed up to the park (last week), and everything is on site. They’re setting up for this weekend. Our expectations are looking at 3,000-4,000 people showing for the Saturday and Sunday event.”
Participants have a 15K or a 5K option. The 15K (9.3 miles) features more than 20 obstacles, while the 5K (3.1 miles) offers 12 obstacles. Waves for the 15K will go off at 8, 9, 10 and 11 a.m. Saturday, and the 5K waves will be at 10 and 11 a.m. and noon and 1 p.m. Saturday. The 15K and 5K waves will be at 9 and 10 a.m. Sunday. Competitors have to be at least 14 years of age by Saturday.
There will be no competitive wave this year.
The entry fee for the 15K $139 for Saturday and $129 for Sunday. The 5K will be $129 for Saturday and $119 for Sunday. The price will increase if a competitor signs up after Wednesday. Spectator passes are available for $15 each day.
Joseph Haas is the race director for this year’s Tough Mudder Indiana. He said this will be his first visit to the Hoosier State. He currently resides in Carson City, Nevada.
Haas said the obstacles will all be the same as in previous years. He said he thinks at least 3,500 will enter the event and perhaps as close to 5,000 if a lot of last-minute signups occur.
“You can walk up and sign up the day of the event. You don’t need to do it in advance,” Haas said.
Tough Mudder first came to Ceraland in 2019. After it was canceled amid the COVID pandemic in 2020, it returned in 2021 and again the past three years.
Ceraland’s current contract with Tough Mudder runs through next year. Kreutzjans hopes the contract can get extended.
“We still have another year,” Kreutzjans said. “We’re talking about expanding it through 2027. Nothing has been confirmed yet on it, but we are still working on it.”
