While dates for this year's Jeep Tough Mudder events were only announced a few weeks ago, they have already been postponed.
This includes the event in Fujairah, which was set to be the first in the emirate. It was scheduled for February 26, but will now take place on Friday, April 9, subject to government clearance.
Dubai’s Tough Mudder will also be postponed, from Friday, April 9 to the fourth quarter of this year. A specific date has yet to be announced.
As will Ras Al Khaimah's event, which was meant to go ahead on this Friday, but will now be pushed back until later this year.
The changes are a response to recent restrictions set out by UAE authorities in a bid to stem the spread of Covid-19.
"We apologise for any inconvenience caused to ticket holders, but the health and safety of our Mudders and staff is our number one priority," said Nic Cartwright, managing director of event organiser Sabosports.
He said the postponed events will be back "bigger and better than ever”.
A statement also notes that Tough Mudder is working closely with the UAE's National Emergency Crisis and Disasters Management Authority on the planning of the Fujairah event and will communicate any date changes by Sunday.
All existing participants will be able to use their tickets at events later this year or can receive a full refund by contacting support@toughmudder.ae before April 30.
What to expect at Tough Mudder
All three events will offer the classic and 5-kilometre routes. The former features more than 20 obstacles, while the latter has a little over 10 obstacles for participants to take on.
Signature obstacles include the Black Widow, a series of 30 elevated tight ropes suspended over water, and the Leap of Faith, where "mudders" are required to jump and grab hold of a cargo net. Others include The Mud Mile, a run that includes contestants going through ditches caked in mud.
This year, the events will be operating at a 60 per cent reduced capacity and the obstacles have been adapted to meet Covid-19 safety guidelines. This means everyone involved must wear a face mask, practice social distancing and avoid taking part if they are unwell. A full list of the health and safety guidelines can be viewed here.
More information is at toughmudder.ae
