Mini Mudder Is the Epic Challenge of Tough Mudder for Kids

Tough Mudder is such a real authentic challenge compared to other obstacle race or mud run. Discover the kid-friendly version of the popular Tough Mudder.

Mini Mudder is the kid-friendly version of Tough Mudder. A race stuffed with mud and challenging obstacles. This crazy mud run is for all kids (ages 5 to 13) who are seeking a fun adventure.

If you want to know what your kid should wear at Tough Mudder and expecting to find a real review from a real runner. Check out my clothing checklist.

Today, every parent wish that their kids were more active. We all feel like the new generations are playing too much with their video games and not enough outside with their friends.

When my youngest kid turned 3, I realize I had a critical mission. My goal was to get them more enthusiastic about playing outside than watching Netflix. I know it's hard work, and I know how Netflix can be a savior when I'm cooking dinner or writing this article.

So I needed something that could compete. I needed to find a thrilling escapade from the routine. A place where my kids can have fun, where they can push their limits, where can get dirty, a place where they can be like normal kids.

This is where mud run can be appealing to my jaded kids. And what better place than Tough Mudder, where my kids can do all this?

Tough Mudder is one of my favorite obstacle race. The perfect combination between challenging obstacles and having fun in the mud.

I can't wait to team with my kids to conquer Tough Mudder...

However, we will need to wait until they turn 14 years old before they can participate in the Tough Mudder 5k. For the classic Tough Mudder, all participants must be at least 16 years old.

For now, my kids can get a taste of the real race by running the Mini Mudder.

What is Mini Mudder?

Mini Mudder is the obstacle race for kids age 5 to 13. This race is a miniature version of the classic Tough Mudder course. It provides a chance for the kids to experience the thrill of running at Tough Mudder.

During this race, kids will get muddy and will have to work as a team to conquer the course. Compare to a Spartan Race for kids; Tough Mudder is more a teamwork challenge than an every-person-for-it-self type of obstacle race.

Therefore, all kids must put their efforts together to succeed the +10 obstacles on the course. The distance of the Mini Mudder is 0.25 mile, but each kid is encouraged to run 4 laps for a total of 1 mile (1.6 km).

On average the race takes 20 to 25 minutes to achieve. But if your kid finishes sooner, and want to continue, he or she can keep running up to 30 minutes after the race has begun.

What are the obstacles?

The obstacles at Mini Mudder have been designed specifically for kids. They look like the original obstacles at Tough Mudder, but they are scaled down to be safe for kids.

During the course, your children will have to conquer obstacles such as:

• Tunnel of Terror: Where kids must climb up into a darkened tunnel.
• Goeey Shoes: The obstacle that you must cross quickly before slipping or sticking to the floor.
• Secret Agent Squeeze: Here, kids have to cross a 'laser' maze (not actual lasers but ropes).
• Mount Mud: The obstacle where kids need to put their efforts together to climb out of the slippery mud pit.
• Crazy Climb: Kids have to cross over a ball of hay.
• A-Frame Adventure: A wooden pyramid that children must climb using a rope.
• Wagon Draggin’: This is another teamwork activity where kids have to pull their buddies on a wagon that has lost his wheels.
• Monkey Swing: A fun version of the classic monkey bars.
• Mini Everest: Where kids must climb on top of the warped wall.
• Lots of mud, to get real muddy.
• And more surprise... every year the Tough Mudder organization come up with new obstacles.

The obstacles are kid-friendly, safe and inspected before the race. Also, volunteers will be assisting kids who may need help. I wouldn't worry about kids safety, and no obstacle require to swim in deep water. However, if an obstacle is too challenging for your child, he can skip the obstacle.

What do you need to know about Mini Mudder?

It's essential that you and your kid must show up 10 to 15 minutes before the starting time. There's a new wave of kids every 30 minutes, and the number of participants is limited per wave.

Even if you don't participate, you must purchase a spectator day passes to access the Mini Mudder village. Also, you need to bring extra cash for the parking fee.

Every kid must have a waiver signed by their parents or legal guardian, because, without this paper, the child can not participate.

Before and after the race, your kid will have access to changing stations. Therefore, make sure to bring a change of clothing and a plastic bag to put the muddy clothes after the race. Also, you'll have access to a rinse station to clean the mud excess.

What your kid will receive?

All children are rewarded once they complete the course.

Every Mini Mudder who finish the course will receive a finisher headband and a t-shirt. That t-shirt! I guarantee, your kid will wear that well-earned t-shirt proudly next Monday at school.

On top of the free stuff, they will acquire a unique life experience that they will remember for a long time.

Conclusion

Tough Mudder and Mini Mudder are held in more than 50 cities in the United-States, United-Kingdom, Ireland, and Dubai. Chance are that you can surely find a Mini Mudder event close to your home. To register your kid for the Mini Mudder, you show up on the day of the event.

Give your kid the chance to live an experience he will remember for a long time.

P.S. If you want to know what to wear at an obstacle race and hoping to get genuine advice from a real runner. You should check out this my clothing checklist.

I have hand picked this racing gear because I'd used each item in different obstacle races and mud runs. Plus, I'd confirmed my selection with my fellow OCR runners. With all their insights and my own experience, I've built this list of the most helpful gear to bring at an obstacle race.

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