COMPETITORS got down and dirty during a tough cross-country run.

More than 400 runners lined up at Eastnor Castle to take part in a new adventure race called Mud Runner.

Athletes of all ages ran the six muddy miles (10k) on the Land Rover Experience tracks – a course designed for testing 4x4 vehicles around the Eastnor estate near Ledbury.

Despite the lack of rain in the lead-up to the event the course was still slippery and there were more than enough sticky bits for competitors to stumble and stagger through as they made their way around the course.

First male competitor across the finishing line into the castle courtyard was Matt James with a time of 50mins 59secs, and the first female was Georgina Jamieson at 58mins 34secs. The longest time to complete the gruelling course was just short of three hours.

Organiser Kester Wilkinson said it had been a successful event and competitors had enjoyed it.

He said: “We had 410 start the race and 408 finish, with some of our runners doing it for their chosen charities Children in Need and the Midland Air Ambulance.

“It’s the first time we have run this event and we were really, really pleased with how it went. They all seemed to have a great time and there was a good atmosphere all around the course, so we are delighted with it.”

A clay medal made to look like mud and fired at Eastnor Pottery was given to every competitor, along with a T-shirt and goodie bag.

A spring challenge is now being planned by organisers for next April or May, and the next Mud Runner will be held on Sunday, October 17 2010.

For race results, photos and video footage see mudrunner.co.uk.