Women fighting dirty for Cancer Research UK took part in a new mud-filled challenge in Kings Langley at the weekend.

Over 1,600 women gathered in Phasels Wood on Saturday, May 16 to take part in the charity’s new Race for Life Event, Pretty Muddy.

Pretty Muddy, a 5k muddy obstacle course, happens in waves, each starting 15 minutes apart to make sure everyone on the course is safe.

At Saturday’s event, the first 330 participants started at 11am, with another 300 starting every 15 minutes.

Julie Braithwaite, Cancer Research UK’s Hertfordshire Event Manager, said:" I want to say a huge thank you to everyone who played their part in our brand new Hertfordshire Pretty Muddy at Phasels Wood - whether they were taking part, volunteering or sponsoring someone.

"It was a fantastic day, full of emotion, courage, energy, fun, tears and laughter.

"We had amazing support from incredible volunteers who worked really hard behind the scenes to make it all happen, were blessed with great weather and an amazing number of participants who really threw themselves into the spirit of the day."

Warm ups were led by Lindsey Peters of Lindsey Fitness and the British Military Federation, and there was a Heart FM cheering point out on the course.

Ms Braithwaite added: "We’re now urging all the women who took part - and all the friends, family and colleagues who pledged to sponsor them - to transform their passion into progress by returning the money they’ve raised as soon as possible.

"For the first time ever, we’re not able to say that, on average, a patient has a fifty percent chance of surviving cancer and living for at least ten years after diagnosis.

"We believe that research will, one day, enable us to treat all 200 types of cancer.

"The more money we raise, the more research we can fund and the sooner that day will come.

"Many people don’t realise that their entry fee only covers the cost of the event. It’s the sponsorship money that really makes a difference.

"So whatever the amount, we’re asking everyone to make every effort to return their sponsorship money as soon as possible. It can be paid in online, by phone or by cheque."

For information on returning sponsorship money, or to make a donation, visit www.raceforlife.org.