Thousands of people will slither through miles of mud and tackle difficult obstacles this weekend, as they compete in Tough Mudder Whistler, an event partly funded by the Province.

Featuring epic challenges like the Block-ness Monster and Kong, the event is expected to attract over 11,000 participants, and add more than $4 million to the local economy.

The B.C. government has provided $40,000, through its Tourism Events Program, to help organizers promote the event and attract visitors. Tough Mudder is also supported by the Resort Municipality of Whistler through the Resort Municipality Initiative.

”This is an event that challenges everyone who participates, and we are proud to support this test of human ability,” said Lisa Beare, Minister of Tourism, Arts and Culture. “It’s a great event that brings thousands of visitors and participants to Whistler, boosts the local economy and encourages people to get active and have fun outdoors.”

Tough Mudder Whistler offers an five-mile (eight-kilometre) course with 13 obstacles, or a 10-mile (16-kilometre) course with 20 or more obstacles. Whether they enter alone or as part of a team, participants are encouraged to help each other conquer the challenges, so everyone completes the course.  

Tough Mudder events are held in 10 countries. Whistler's first Tough Mudder event was held in 2012.

“We appreciate the financial support we’ve received from the government of B.C.,” said Mike Torrey, Tough Mudder Events Limited. “It has allowed us to increase our advertising reach, and bring a record number of aspiring ‘mudders’ and their supporters to Whistler this year.” 

The Tourism Events Program supports events that raise national and international awareness of B.C.’s tourism experiences, and inspire people from around the globe to visit the province.

Quick Facts:

• Tourism is an economic driver for British Columbia, generating more than $17 billion in revenues in 2016.
• Tourism is one of the province’s biggest employers. More than 133,000 people work in this industry.
• Tourism is growing in importance for B.C’s economy. In 2016, the industry contributed $7.9 billion in added value to the province’s gross domestic product. This is an increase of more than 5.6% over the previous year.
• The Government of British Columbia invests over $113 million in the tourism sector annually.
• In 2017, 5.7 million international visitors came to B.C. – a 3.3% increase (181,700 more visitors) than in 2016.

Learn More:

For more information about Tough Mudder Whistler, visit: https://toughmudder.com/events/2018-whistler

For more information on the Tourism Events Program, visit:
https://www.destinationbc.ca/BC-Tourism-Industry/Municipal-and-Regional-District-Tax-Program/Tourism-Events-Program.aspx