BRAVE runners waded through thick mud and deep water as part of the latest fitness phenomenon.

Last Saturday saw around 600 people tackle a 6km or 12km Mucky Races running course around the Spains Hall estate in Finchingfield.

Competitors crawled through mud pits, waded through water obstacles and navigated their way over scaffolding.

A team from Baker and Baker Bespoke Kitchens and Furniture, based in Yeldham Road, Stambourne, took part.

Owner Marie Baker said: “It was our first time on the mud run as a team and it was great fun.

“Our whole team took part, Graham Baker, business owner and my husband, Richard Bond, Ollie Burrows, Sam Thornley and Chris Lagden. We saw a poster locally and Finchingfield is just around the corner to our workshop.”

Another competitor was Hannah Lewsey, 19, from Bocking.

She was taking part with her brother, sister, father and godmother to raise money for Action Against Hunger.

She said: “It was horrible but really good at the same time because the weather was the worst and it was about five degrees and chucking it down.”