RUNNERS with a taste for mud are being asked to take part in Swindon’s messiest 10k event to raise funds for Prospect Hospice. Runners can now choose to tackle the 10K distance with the added challenge of obstacles on parts of the course.

The event, which is supported by Nationwide, is in its fifth year but this is the first year that there will be obstacles for the runners, and the hospice’s fundraising team are hoping the added challenges will make this year’s 10k mud run even more appealing to runners who are happy to get dirty for a good cause.

For just a £15 registration fee, runners can select to tackle the course, which starts at Nationwide Pavilion, either with or without the entry-level obstacles which are suitable for all levels of fitness.

Liz Dabner from Swindon is taking in Prospect Hospice’s 10k again when it is staged in February as thanks for the care the charity gave her late husband Derek, who died in 2011.

“When I did it before it was as part of a bigger fundraising challenge where I did three races and a national Three Peaks challenge,” she says.

“The Prospect 10K was challenging but a lot of fun. This year the addition of obstacles should be a good start to my races in 2017.”

Liz said she would encourage all runners to test themselves over the Prospect 10k.

“Try it,” she says. “It's fun and challenging, but don't expect great race times, and don't wear your best trainers.” Asked what she thought was the best bit of the gruelling, muddy challenge she said: “That’s easy - crossing the finish line.”

Louise Brooks, Challenge Events Fundraiser, said: “We are really excited to be able to incorporate obstacles into our much loved 10K Mud Run. We feel it’s really going to add a twist to the original 10K for people who have been coming to our run for the past five years, and really offers a challenging new element to the course.”

The run starts at the Nationwide pavilion, and snakes in a loop around beautiful countryside and farmland. It’s recommended that runners bring a change of clothes, and suitable trainers for the muddy course. All racers receive a Prospect 10K Mud Run T-shirt, and a finishers’ medal.

The Prospect 10K raises invaluable funds for the care that Prospect Hospice provides for thousands of patients, and support for their families, each year. By raising the minimum suggested sponsorship of £100, runners could be providing eight hours of incredible end-of-life care for a patient staying on the hospice’s inpatient unit.

Runner can sign up to take part at www.prospect-hospice.net/10k, or if they would like to chat to a member of the fundraising team, can call on 01793 816180.