Muddy brilliant

WOMEN ARE GETTING READY TO JOIN THE RATHER MESSY FIGHT AGAINST CANCER

WITH Race for Life now under way around the region, thousands of ladies are out and about raising money for charity.

The series of runs in aid of Cancer Research UK include the always-popular Pretty Muddy events which are hugely fun and messy 5k muddy obstacle courses where women can show that cancer that hell hath no fury like a woman in pink.

County Durham’s event is coming up on June 24 and, with not long now to the start line, here’s a guide to what you need to know about Pretty Muddy County Durham 5k.

Don’t forget if you’re taking part to send a photo for our Race for Life galleries. If you are going to be running, or even just going along to show your support, please send your photos to community@ncjmedia.co.uk with your name, area and where you were.

And you can share your story of why you’re running too.

WHAT IS RACE FOR LIFE PRETTY MUDDY?

Well, it isn’t like any other fundraising event. It is a 5k muddy obstacle course where women of any ability can climb, jog and walk all over cancer.

5k is just over three miles and should be achievable for all ages and abilities so you can take part however you wish to join the fight against cancer.

WHEN IS THE DURHAM PRETTY MUDDY?

Durham’s Pretty Muddy 5k takes place on Saturday, June 24 at Riverside Park, Riverside South, Chester Le Street, DH3 3SJ.

There are different time slots available throughout the day but places tend to fill up fast. Organisers recommend participants arrive an hour before your allocated time slot in order to get prepare.

WHAT TIME DOES RACE FOR LIFE PRETTY MUDDY START?

Pretty Muddy events are in waves, each starting 15 minutes apart to make sure everyone on the course is safe. If you enter as a group, make sure you all enter the same wave as you cannot move waves once you’ve signed up.

The times are 10.15am, 10.30am, 11am, 11.15am.

HOW MUCH DOES IT COST TO ENTER PRETTY MUDDY?

Adult ticket (for 16 and over, women only) is £19.99. Child ticket for 13 to 15-year-old girls is £10. Please note due to the nature of this event, you must be 13 or over to take part.

The entry fee covers the cost of organising and running your event on the day. It does not contribute towards your sponsorship total, so please try and raise as much as you can to help Cancer Research UK’s life-saving work.

HOW DO I ENTER PRETTY MUDDY?

To enter Newcastle’s Pretty Muddy 5k head to its registration online.

HOW DO I RAISE MONEY FOR CANCER RESEARCH UK?

By taking part in the Race for Life Pretty Muddy event you are helping fund the next big discovery in the fight against cancer. The easiest way to raise money is to set up an online fundraising page. Most people tend to use JustGiving, GoFundMe or VirginGivingMoney.

WHAT DO I NEED TO BRING WITH ME?

On the day of the event, you will need to bring the following items with you: your back sign and running number that you received in your Race for Life pack; safety pins – so you can attach your running number and back sign to your top; comfy shoes for walking, jogging or running; a bottle of water so you can stay hydrated and sunscreen and a hat to protect yourself from sunburn.

You will also need a change of clothes for after your event and a towel to wipe off the worst of the mud after your fight and remember there are no showers or lockers at Pretty Muddy events, but there will be a bag drop area.

WHAT DO I NEED TO WEAR?

To make sure you look the part then dress up for the event. Lots of Race for Life participants either come to the event in fancy dress and wear fairy wings, feather boas, deely boppers and tutus or come all kitted out in pink. Also, make sure you wear trainers or comfy shoes, breathable clothing and a good sports bra.

WHAT HAPPENS AT THE EVENT?

For those of you who are taking part in the Race for Life for the first time, here is a quick rundown of the event’s schedule:

All participants should arrive at least an hour before the race is due to start as this gives you plenty of time to soak up the atmosphere and do any last minute preparations.

Then 30 minutes before the start, a Race for Life organiser will welcome you and share information about the groundbreaking work that Cancer Research UK do, and explains why your support is vital. After this, you can take part in a light aerobic warm-up with all the other participants to get those muscles ready for your event.

You will be asked to take your place ten minutes before the race starts and when the starting signal goes you can run round the course. Once you’ve crossed the finish line, you will receive a Race for Life medal and a goody bag as a thank-you for taking part.

CAN I BRING MY FAMILY ALONG FOR SUPPORT?

Yes, the day isn’t just for those taking part. There is something for everyone with music, fun, children’s stalls, health information stands and games arenas to make your event a day to remember.

Parking will be available at the local car parks, which are payable at the meter. Please ensure your bring change and display your ticket.

It’s not suitable for wheelchairs or pushchairs.