A splashing day out! Pretty Muddy event brings fundraisers to Sandwell Valley - PICTURES and VIDEO
Thousands of men, women and children got covered in mud to raise money for Cancer Research.
The annual 'Pretty Muddy' race saw runners scrambling through the obstacle course at Sandwell Country Valley Park.
It was filled with people dressed from head to toe in pink outfits, from tutus, to feather boas and one man even wore an inflatable pink unicorn suit.
WATCH 360 degree highlights from the event
Video: Paula Young
Runners danced and stretched in a warm up led by instructors from PureGym before heading out onto the course.
In Pretty Muddy, runners have to make their way through a muddy obstacle course, which includes climbing frames, slides, tunnels and mud pits, before crossing the finish line.
They are also encouraged to raise as much money as they can for Cancer Research UK.
Taking part in the race was cancer survivor, Sue Macpherson, who brought her colleagues from work with her.
She got the all clear from throat cancer three years ago and following her recovery she pledged to raise money for cancer research.
Sue said: "I've got 23 people here with me today including work colleagues, family, friends and I've even had people travel from Nottingham to take part.
"We're hoping to have raised over £1,500 in total, no matter how much you raise it helps to fund research."
One of Sue's team members, Nicky Garcha from Tividale, was taking part in the race in memory of her husband who recently passed away from cancer.
Her daughter, Amelia Ali-Garcha aged seven, was also joining in.
GALLERY: Mud-tastic fun at charity event
Nicky said: "I've wanted to do something like this for a while, but it's just been too soon and too emotional. If it wasn't for Sue asking us to do it I don't think I could've done it.
"I think that he will be looking down on us and be proud of what we're doing."
Some of the participants had been taking part in the Race for Life's events for a number of years.
Sam Matthews, from Droitwich Spa, has raised over £5,000 in the last few years through fundraising.
She said: "I do this every year and I also did brave the shave two years ago, I fundraise throughout the year .
"This time it's in memory of my Dad who passed away from cancer recently, so it's for him."
Friends and family of those taking part cheered them on with words of encouragement throughout the course and spirits were high despite the rain.
By the end of the 5k course, the runners were caked in mud but that didn't stop them smiling as they ran over the finish line and rang the celebration bell to mark finishing the race.
Over £107,000 was raised in total by those who took part.
Event organiser Amy Hall said: "We'd like to say a huge thank you to everyone who took part.
"It was fabulous to see so many men, women and children getting stuck in to the ten obstacles on the course. Proof that, no matter your age or ability, anyone can climb, crawl and slide their way to beating cancer.
"It was also emotional with participants wearing signs declaring their reasons for taking part. Many were remembering loved ones or celebrating those dear to them who have survived.
"Thanks to research, more people are beating cancer than ever before but there's so much more work to do. That's why we rely on every penny raised through sponsorship."
