3 branding lessons from Tough Mudder
Seemingly sane people around the nation flock to run the brand’s obstacle courses. Why? PR and marketing pros can learn vital insights.
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“Who the hell would want to put themselves through that pain and filth?” you might ask.
Believe it or not, more than 2 million people have slogged through Mudder events since Will Dean created the company in 2010, generating $100 million in annual revenue.
Here are three branding learnings from Tough Mudder: 1. Re-invent an existing business.
There were plenty of obstacle courses and outward-bound events around before Tough Mudder, in addition to loads of sporting challenges, such as marathons. The idea was not new. Will Dean re-invented the obstacle course.
“Tough Mudder puts camaraderie over finisher rankings and is not a timed race but a team challenge,” the website says. The idea is not who finishes first, but rather pulling together to get to the end, a spirit captured in “The Mudder Pledge”:
· I understand that Tough Mudder is not a race but a challenge.
· I put teamwork and camaraderie before my course time.
· I do not whine—kids whine.
· I help my fellow mudders complete the course.
· I overcome all fears.
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