"Unleashing Grit and Glory: A Conversation with Duncan from Tough Mudder Arabia"

The Race Space Podcast

The Race Space + Duncan Dewes, the Regional Director of the Tough Mudder global race.

Podcast Session: via Google Meet

Date 10th October

Time 17:00GST

Contact details for Duncan Dewes & Tough Mudder Arabia

Instagram: @Duncan.dewes https://tinyurl.com/5n8hwu3u

LinkedIn: https://tinyurl.com/2zsu3ht2

Tough Mudder Arabia

UAE RACES 15% discount code: racespace15

Website: https://toughmudderarabia.com/

Registration link for Fujairah 14th Oct 2023: https://tinyurl.com/48w37ums Registration link for Dubai 11th & 12th Nov 2023: https://tinyurl.com/mjk4bt8b

Registration link for Tough Mudder Infinity 24th Feb 2024: https://tinyurl.com/2cxaakj2 Instagram: @toughmudderarabia https://tinyurl.com/34he9j9k

Facebook: https://tinyurl.com/5bjrjdbz

Twitter: @ToughMudder_ar https://tinyurl.com/27v3k5nr

Information about Saudi www.visitsaudi.com

Things to do in Abha, Saudi Arabia https://tinyurl.com/upya7p9m Vision Saudi Arabia: https://www.vision2030.gov.sa/en/

Saudi Vision 2023 https://riyadhexpo2030.sa/

Experience Alula https://www.experiencealula.com/

Summary of the conversation

Introduction and Background:

• Duncan Dewes discussed his daily routine and busy physical workout schedule.
• He shared his experience in the fitness and OCR (Obstacle Course Racing) industry, dating back to 2013 in Muscat, Oman.
• Duncan played a pivotal role in the Spartan Race in Muscat, Oman and Tough Mudder Arabia.

Challenges of OCR Events in the Middle East:

• Duncan explained the unique challenges of organizing OCR events in the Middle East due to climate and environmental factors.

Upcoming Events and Challenges:

• Discussion of an upcoming event on October 14th, the second time in an iconic location.
• Duncan offered advice for first-time Tough Mudder participants.
• Talked about an event in Dubai on November 11th and 12th and the licensing challenges due to its connection with the Royal family.

Innovative Ideas and Future Plans:

• Duncan discussed the possibility of a mini-obstacle course race for pets in partnership with Dog Adventure HD.
• Mentioned an event in the second quarter of 2024 at Jebel Jais.
• Talked about weather conditions in certain regions of Saudi Arabia.

Tough Mudder Infinity and Competition:

• Explained what Tough Mudder Infinity is and how it differs from World's Toughest Mudder's 12-hour and 24-hour race formats.
• Shared a message to international athletes attending the 2024 event, emphasizing an exceptional experience and high benchmarks.
• Hints about prize money and plans for expanding Tough Mudder events in the Middle East.

Event Logistics and Management:

• Detailed the event's timing, participant groupings, and exclusivity limited to 1800 participants.
• Explained how the Tough Mudder Infinity loop works and the availability of rest areas.
• Discussed strict event management rules and the use of wristbands during the 10k loops.

Partnerships and Hybrid Events:

• Talked about partnerships focusing on community-based events.
• Duncan's experience organizing events with DEKA and Spartan Trail events in the UAE.
• Discussion of the future of hybrid events in the UAE.

Challenges and Feedback:

• Mentioned the challenges of organizing events in the Middle East and feedback from participants.
• Compared the level of difficulty at OCR events in the UAE versus overseas.

Bitcoin, Cryptocurrencies, and NFTs:

• Shared thoughts on cryptocurrencies, addressing price fluctuations and the potential issuance of an NFT in the future.

Metaverse and Technology:

• Discussed the future impact of the Metaverse on the fitness and OCR industry.

Advice for Event Organizers:

• Offered advice to fellow OCR event organizers, stressing open communication and advance event scheduling.

Closing Thoughts:

• Concluded with Duncan's parting words of wisdom.
• Shared thoughts on the possibility of aliens in a fun, non-OCR/fitness-related question.
• Mentioned a unique aspect of his personality that contributes to his knowledge and experience.

Thank you for the podcast.