BROOKLYN, N.Y. – Tough Mudder and Abbott’s EAS Sports Nutrition today announced a partnership that designates EAS as the official performance nutrition recovery provider for the 2012 Tough Mudder U.S. events.

In addition to becoming the official protein recovery beverage provider, the EAS brand will provide nutritional training tips to aspiring Tough Mudder athletes designed to enhance their training and preparation for the rigors of a Tough Mudder obstacle course. The EAS brand will create an interactive experience for each U.S. event, offering participants the opportunity to sample sports nutrition products and learn about the importance of nutrition and post-workout recovery.

“This partnership is a natural fit for Tough Mudder and EAS Sports Nutrition, aligning their premiere recovery nutrition products with probably the toughest event on the planet,” said Dan Weinberg, director of Strategic Sponsorships at Tough Mudder. “Participants will benefit from the nutrition tips and opportunity to use EAS products to refuel after experiencing a Tough Mudder event.”

“Tough Mudder courses are the ultimate test of strength, stamina and perseverance,” said Tobe Cohen, division vice president and general manager, Performance Nutrition, Abbott. “To prepare for such a physical undertaking, nutrition is paramount. Abbott and EAS bring 85 years of leading-edge nutrition science to Tough Mudder to help participants play hard and recover strong from the challenge.”

Founded in 2010, Tough Mudder is the nation’s fastest-growing and most-recognized endurance series. In 2011, Tough Mudder hosted 14 events, and this will expand to 35 in 2012 in the U.S., U.K., Canada and Australia. Unlike other traditional endurance events or mud runs, Tough Mudder events are constructed by British Special Forces to offer a 10-12-mile trail-running experience like no other. Located outside major metropolitan cities, courses are based on rugged terrain, featuring steep inclines and water hazards, highlighted by 18-25 military-style obstacles testing one’s fitness, strength, stamina, mental grit, teamwork and toughness.

With a unique crossover appeal for high-performing endurance athletes, fitness enthusiasts, risk-taking adrenaline junkies and conservative commoners alike, Tough Mudder events were created to test individual limits in a one-day challenge that showcases the core characteristics of will, intensity, camaraderie and teamwork. Tough Mudder events are not timed and are won by all those capable of completing the course.

Tough Mudder participants have raised more than $2.5 million in support of its official charity partner, the Wounded Warrior Project, a non-profit organization aimed at helping American servicemen and servicewomen who have been severely injured in combat.

About Tough Mudder
Tough Mudder Events, LLC was founded in 2010 by Will Dean and Guy Livingstone. Considered as “Probably the Toughest Event on the Planet,” each Tough Mudder endurance challenge is designed by British Special Forces and consists of a unique 10- to12mile trail run over rugged terrain, featuring steep inclines, water hazards and 18 to 25 military-style obstacles testing one’s toughness, fitness, strength, stamina, mental grit and teamwork. The 2011 Tough Mudder series included 14 events taking place across various cities in the U.S., and the 2012 series includes 35 events in the U.S., U.K., Australia and Canada. For the schedule of event dates and locations, visit www.ToughMudder.com.

About Abbott’s EAS Brand
Abbott, a global health care company and the maker of EAS products, has more than 85 years of innovation in leading-edge nutritional science. Whether you are an elite athlete, fitness enthusiast or weekend warrior, EAS develops performance nutrition products that can help you play hard and recover strong. A brand you can trust, our scientists, researchers and all-around fitness enthusiasts take pride in making products that are impactful, clean and safe – so you can keep pushing yourself to the next level. Visit www.eas.com or www.facebook.com/easbrand.