Muddy fun with the return of Cumbria's Gelt Gladiator

More than 2,000 people took on the challenge - a giant mud-filled assault course on farmland and through Gelt Woods.

Participants chose to take part in one of four separate routes throughout weekend, including a new 10-mile route, along with a 10k, 6k and 3k version of the course.

Members and supporters of the Crown Newlaithes Ladies football club in Carlisle were among the first few waves to embark on the new 10-mile route on Saturday.

Team manager Eddie Williams and his daughters Jade and Paige have been joined by seven others - Lauren Henderson, Chelsea Norris, Peter Thorneycroft, Jordan Cannon, Ian Angus and Mike Routledge.

Jade said: "We're doing it just for the fun and to enjoy ourselves. It's a bit of teambuilding as well."

Carlisle nurse Charlotte Fretwell made her first appearance at Gelt Gladiator too, taking on the toughest challenge - the 10-mile route.

Charlotte, 27, was with friends Jon Haymes, of Durranhill; Mitchell Carruthers, 27, of Lowry Hill; and Stephen Mallinson, 37, of Wigton.

Jon, a lifeguard at Centre Parcs near Penrith, said: "I did the 10K last year and so thought it's be good to come back. It's the challenge of doing it, and it's a bit of fun, it's different."

Charlotte, who works at the Cumberland Infirmary, said: "I signed up three weeks ago. I've done a couple of Total Warrior events before so I wanted to come and try this one."

Carlisle couple Clara Dickinson and Steven Chetwynd, who are both archaeologists, were also embarking on the 10-mile challenge.

Clara is recovering from a broken arm, having injured it snowboarding recently.

"I signed up because it looks like it is a fantastic event," said Clara, 26, of Etterby.

"I'm going to have to avoid the obstacles where you have to do a lot with your arms but it is going to be hard work to get round.

"Now I'm here I'm a bit nervous."

The event is organised by Mike James, of Endurance Sports Ltd.

* Three-page photo specials in Tuesday's News & Star