MUD was no obstacle for an army of pink-clad women this morning, who took part in a decidedly muddy Race for Life event.

About 1,000 women, from grannies to granddaughters, decked out in pink took part in Worcester’s first-ever Race for Life Pretty Muddy event this morning.

The event arranged by Cancer Research UK built on the recent popularity of ‘mud run’-style running events, where participants are challenged not only to run a distance but also to tackle some muddy obstacles, becoming thoroughly filthy by the end.

Participants were put through their paces with a military-style warmup before setting off on the 5km track, tackling obstacles including mud pits, a climbing wall and a large inflatable slide, with very little pink showing through the mud by the end.

Stephanie Lawson, aged 27, from Warndon, was taking part in memory of her mum, who died in June last year.

“I’ve done some mud runs before so I think I know what I’m in for,” she said.

“And the weather’s nice today so it shouldn’t be too bad.”

Carley Hooper, aged 39, from Malvern, said she was taking part to support the charity which has done so much to help people with cancer.

“It’s a really important cause,” she said.

“I did Race for Life last year but I won’t be able to do it tomorrow, so I’m taking part in this one instead.

I’ve got a change of clothes in the car in case I get really muddy so I don’t ruin the seats on the way home.”

Cancer Research UK’s senior events manager for Worcestershire Kelly Rumble said she was delighted by the amount of women who had signed up.

“It’s just something a bit different from Race for Life, but we hope it’s fun,” she said.

“It’s the first year we’ve done this here.

“We’re just trying to bring Race for Life to the next level.

“There are lots of these happening all over the country, so if anyone wasn’t able to take part today there are plenty of other chances.

“The main message is to have a good time and raise some money.”

She also paid tribute to the team of volunteers who were on hand lending a hand marshalling, setting up the event and running stalls.

“Without them it really wouldn’t happen,” she said.

This was the first of two Race for Life events in Worcester this weekend, tomorrow morning sees the regular – and hopefully less muddy – annual run, with women racing 5km or 10km to raise money for the charity.

For more pictures from this weekend’s events see Monday’s Worcester News.