Are you tough enough to back up?

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As the Sunshine Coast prepares to host its very first Tough Mudder endurance event, the region’s peak tourism body has issued a further challenge to competitors: Are You Tough Enough To Back Up?

“Only the fittest of competitors will be able to take on this challenge, which involves entering an event in the Sunshine Coast Marathon & Community Run Festival the weekend following Tough Mudder. That means putting their bodies through two grueling events - one weekend after the other,” said Sunshine Coast Destination Limited’s Chairman, Mr Barrie Adams.

Four of the Sunshine Coast’s premier tourist attractions have decided to add incentives to the physical challenge, including Aussie World, which is offering 50 per cent off single entry to participants.

“This is a very special offer for a very special group -–it’s the least we can do to reward them for going in these energetic events!” said Manager of Aussie World, David Thompson.

The campaign also includes deals from: The Big Kart Track (15 minutes free), Underwater World (two tickets for the price of one), and Australia Zoo (participant gets in for free if they bring three friends).

To be eligible for the discounts, participants must turn up wearing their Tough Mudder orange headband and have a valid race entry form for the Sunshine Coast Marathon & Community Run Festival.

The Managing Director of Tough Mudder, Drew Ward, flew into town from New York this week to spread enthusiasm for the challenge which will take place in Caloundra on 17-18 August and involve a 20km obstacle course designed by British Special Forces to test the strength, stamina, mental grit, and camaraderie of participants.

"Since we first announced that Tough Mudder was coming this August, the response from the people of the Sunshine Coast has been nothing short of phenomenal. We can't wait to bring Tough Mudder here - it's shaping up to be one of our biggest events ever, anywhere in the world," Mr Ward said.

More than half a million people have taken part in Tough Mudder events around the globe – tackling mud, fire, ice-water and 10,000 volts of electricity to complete the course.

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According to Sunshine Coast Council’s Major Events portfolio councillor Jason O’Pray, the true test of endurance will be if competitors can turn up to the Sunshine Coast Marathon & Community Run Festival the following weekend and participate in one of the many races that will be taking place around Maroochydore on 25 August.

“The Sunshine Coast is gaining an international reputation as a sports and fitness destination. We are delighted to be able to offer these two amazing events, back to back, in August,” councillor O’Pray said.

Photo 1 - Melinda Haeusler (Aussie World), Ferre De Deyne (Big Kart Track), Krissi Neal (UnderWater World) and Wayne Poole (Australia Zoo)

Photo 2 - Ferre De Deyne (Big Kart Track), Melinda Haeusler (Aussie World), Krissi Neal (UnderWater World) and Wayne Poole (Australia Zoo)