Hundreds of runners braved the cold and got stuck in the mud to raise £115,000 for a hospice.

A record 900 people crawled through obstacles for The Hospice of St Francis, based in Berkhamstead’s “legendary” Mud Pack Challenge at the stately Ashridge House grounds, on Sunday October 15.

Many individuals and teams from Watford competed in a five or 10-mile run in memory of someone special and to show support for the charity.

Among those taking part were Mark Lawford, 41, and his brother John Lawford, 44, both from Watford, who take part each year in memory of their Dad, Stephen.

Running the course as part of seven-strong team called The Fat and the Furious, Mark said: “We do it every year in memory of our Dad to raise money for the Hospice. Between us we’ve raised over £1,000. It’s such a good cause and we want to help make sure it’s there for other people who might need it.”

India Loddy, 26, who lives in Watford Road, Kings Langley, completed the 10-mile course with her boyfriend Craig Gorrie, 28, for the fourth time.

They were joined by best friends Lisa Hodges, 31, taking part for the second time, and first-timer Tom Sweeney, 27, from Watford.

Ms Loddy said: “It was just brilliant. In the past, I’ve run it with girlfriends or on my own but this year for the first time, we stuck together as couples as a team and slipping, sliding, jumping and wading through the swamp, the slides, the haybales and the skips was so much fun.

“Everyone’s there cheering, everyone’s getting muddy, the obstacles are amazing and every time you think it’s too hard, you just remember what you’re doing it for.”

Kate Phipps-Wiltshire, the hospice CEO added: “Mud Pack is immense, you see 900 people covering 5,000 miles and burning 1,000,000 calories between them. You see courage, camaraderie, company support and countless volunteers.

“What you feel is determination to make a huge contribution borne of love and to test yourself in the process. With £115,000 already raised Mud Pack 2017 does all that. Thank you doesn’t even cover it – unlike the mud”