Tough Mudder's Will Dean - Hero or hack?

I just finished reading a great article in Outside Magazine on the origins of obstacle racing and the estimated half a billion dollar industry it's become. The article delves into the raging legal battles going on between owners, all of which seem to center around Tough Mudder founder and owner Will Dean.

I have to say, Tough Mudder has long been on my list of "must do" events. But it's severe length (I'm no marathon runner) and prohibitive cost (the most expensive entry fees by far) and the fact that it's not even timed or ranked (to avoid awarding prizes perhaps?) have kept it on the back burner for me.

Now, after reading Scott Keneally's article in the Nov. 2012 issue of Outside, I'm not sure I ever want to run it, just on general principal.
Instead, I kind of want to go to England and run the Tough Guy now. :)

Read the whole article here: Playing Dirty by Scott Keneally. It's worth the time if you're an obstacle race fan and gives an amazing behind the scenes look at what's been called "the country's fastest growing sport".