Express & Star

Pretty in pink runners get 'Pretty Muddy' to raise over £100k - with pictures

Thousands of men, women and children got covered in mud to raise money for Cancer Research.

Published
Sandwell Valley, West Bromwich at the Race for Life Mud Run

The annual Pretty Muddy race saw runners scrambling through the obstacle course at Sandwell Country Valley Park.

The park was filled with people dressed from head to toe in pink outfits, including tutus, feather boas and one inflatable pink unicorn suit.

Take a look at our gallery of pictures from the event:

Sandwell Valley, West Bromwich at the Race for Life Mud Run
Sandwell Valley, West Bromwich at the Race for Life Mud Run
Sandwell Valley, West Bromwich at the Race for Life Mud Run
Sandwell Valley, West Bromwich at the Race for Life Mud Run
Sandwell Valley, West Bromwich at the Race for Life Mud Run
Sandwell Valley, West Bromwich at the Race for Life Mud Run
Sandwell Valley, West Bromwich at the Race for Life Mud Run
Sandwell Valley, West Bromwich at the Race for Life Mud Run
Sandwell Valley, West Bromwich at the Race for Life Mud Run
Sandwell Valley, West Bromwich at the Race for Life Mud Run
Sandwell Valley, West Bromwich at the Race for Life Mud Run
Sandwell Valley, West Bromwich at the Race for Life Mud Run
Sandwell Valley, West Bromwich at the Race for Life Mud Run
Sandwell Valley, West Bromwich at the Race for Life Mud Run
Sandwell Valley, West Bromwich at the Race for Life Mud Run
Sandwell Valley, West Bromwich at the Race for Life Mud Run
Sandwell Valley, West Bromwich at the Race for Life Mud Run
Sandwell Valley, West Bromwich at the Race for Life Mud Run
Sandwell Valley, West Bromwich at the Race for Life Mud Run
Sandwell Valley, West Bromwich at the Race for Life Mud Run
Sandwell Valley, West Bromwich at the Race for Life Mud Run
Sandwell Valley, West Bromwich at the Race for Life Mud Run
Sandwell Valley, West Bromwich at the Race for Life Mud Run
Sandwell Valley, West Bromwich at the Race for Life Mud Run

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.

Sandwell Valley, West Bromwich at the Race for Life Mud Run

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.

Sandwell Valley, West Bromwich at the Race for Life Mud Run

“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. 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.

Sandwell Valley, West Bromwich at the Race for Life Mud Run

“I think that he will be looking down on us and be proud of what we’re doing.” Some participants have 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. She said: “This time it’s in memory of my dad.” More than £107,000 was raised.