Freeborn County community leaders are vying for the chance to host the 2013 Tough Mudder competition in Minnesota.

Albert Lea Convention and Visitors Bureau Director Susie Petersen said organizers of the 10- to 12-mile extreme obstacle course contacted her stating they were looking for a site in southern Minnesota for their July 20 and 21 event in 2013.

The Tough Mudder course is designed by British Special Forces and is considered one of the toughest events on the planet.

Petersen said to be considered for hosting the event, there needs to be 350 to 400 acres of land in one spot available for use.

She said the course will be designed based on the land, and the owner will be compensated for use of the site. She hopes to have at least a few different parcels to show the organizers.

“Hosting a Tough Mudder has a huge impact to the community,” Petersen said.

She referred to a recent Tough Mudder event in Somerset, Wis., that drew 15,000 participants.

Petersen said on average 40 percent of participants stay overnight, and the event is estimated to bring between $2 and $5 million to the community it is hosted in.

“It would be unbelievable if we could get it,” she said.

The event raises money for the Wounded Warrior Project.

Petersen asked if anyone was interested in offering their land for the event, they should contact her at 402-0110.