Spartan Race has announced the acquisition of an exclusive option to acquire Tough Mudder’s UK, Canadian, and German events. It's the first step in an effort to bring together a complete merger of the two obstacle course race leaders.

Tough Mudder events in those countries will continue to be operated by the same team and under the same brand, but they will be part of the larger Spartan family of brands and events. Tough Mudder associates and participants in the UK, Germany, and Canada will be able to continue on with their Tough Mudder adventure.

"This is a goal we’ve had for some time,” said Spartan CEO and founder Joe De Sena. "Tough Mudder UK, Canada, and Germany bring a unique experience, and putting the success of the two together strengthens our global mission of getting 100 million people off the couch.”

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Under Spartan ownership, Tough Mudder UK, Canada, and Germany events will focus on teamwork-based, non-competitive festival events. The competitions will be handled by Spartan.

Spartan will continue to work with Tough Mudder’s founders, Will Dean and Guy Livingstone, in efforts to complete the acquisition and renewal of Tough Mudder's U.S.-based events and operations in the coming days.

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"I look forward to creating a lasting partnership with Will and Guy as we seek to complete the merger," De Sena said. "I'm excited about the prospect of what we can do together, as one team."

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