AlUla to Host First-Ever Mideast Tough Mudder Infinity Challenge in February

The winner is awarded one of the largest financial prizes in the history of obstacle-course racing - SPA
The winner is awarded one of the largest financial prizes in the history of obstacle-course racing - SPA
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AlUla to Host First-Ever Mideast Tough Mudder Infinity Challenge in February

The winner is awarded one of the largest financial prizes in the history of obstacle-course racing - SPA
The winner is awarded one of the largest financial prizes in the history of obstacle-course racing - SPA

The world's most popular obstacle-course racing challenge, Tough Mudder, announced the launch of a Tough Mudder Infinity race for the first time in the Middle East, to be held February 24, 2024 in AlUla Governorate, one of the most prominent tourist destinations in the world.

During the eight-hour race, participants must accomplish the largest number of laps around the Tough Mudder obstacle course. The winner is awarded one of the largest financial prizes in the history of obstacle-course racing. Participants can join the race individually or in teams, according to AFP.
In conjunction with the Tough Mudder Infinity competition, 5km and 10km Tough Mudder competition will be held, providing a group of challenges suitable for all fitness levels.
The Tough Mudder license holder in the Middle East, Nick Cartwright, said that holding the Tough Mudder Infinity competition in AlUla represents the region’s commitment to provide exceptional experiences and promoting an active lifestyle, amid the stunning views of AlUla, which offers participants a wonderful experience.
For his part, Rami Almoallim, the vice president of Destination Marketing and Management at the Royal Commission for AlUla (RCU), said that AlUla represents one of the most distinctive tourist destinations in the region, as it continues to attract visitors thanks to the annual “AlUla Moments” calendar, which presents many special events and festivals. He said the region is looking forward to host fans of this exciting sport.



Spanish Footballer Convicted of Sexual Assault for Inappropriately Touching a Mascot

FILE - Perica, the mascot of Espanyol F.C., performs before the match against Atlético de Madrid in Barcelona on Sept. 12, 2021. (AP Photo/Joan Monfort, file)
FILE - Perica, the mascot of Espanyol F.C., performs before the match against Atlético de Madrid in Barcelona on Sept. 12, 2021. (AP Photo/Joan Monfort, file)
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Spanish Footballer Convicted of Sexual Assault for Inappropriately Touching a Mascot

FILE - Perica, the mascot of Espanyol F.C., performs before the match against Atlético de Madrid in Barcelona on Sept. 12, 2021. (AP Photo/Joan Monfort, file)
FILE - Perica, the mascot of Espanyol F.C., performs before the match against Atlético de Madrid in Barcelona on Sept. 12, 2021. (AP Photo/Joan Monfort, file)

Spanish soccer player Hugo Mallo has been convicted of sexual assault for inappropriately touching a mascot before a La Liga game in 2019, court officials said on Thursday.
The former Celta Vigo player was found to have inappropriately touched the breasts of the woman who was wearing Espanyol’s parakeet costume while players lined up to salute each other before kickoff, The Associated Press reported.
A judge fined Mallo 6,000 euros ($6,600) and ordered him to pay 1,000 euros ($1,100) in damages to the victim.
The 33-year-old Mallo reiterated his innocence and said he planned to appeal the sentencing. Mallo posted a video of the incident on Instagram.
“I continue to categorically deny the facts attributed to me in the ruling,” he said. “I acknowledged that while turning around after the greetings that my hand could have touched the waist of the parakeet, but I absolutely denied that it touched the parakeet’s breasts.”
The case was initially dismissed but that decision was overturned on appeal. At the time, Mallo posted a statement on Instagram calling for “respect” and pointing out that neither Celta nor Espanyol found evidence of wrongdoing.
Mallo will also have to pay for the legal costs of the proceedings.