TWENTY disabled members and coaches from a Carlisle football team set themselves the ultimate challenge - tackling mud, ropes, water, nets and other obstacles at this year’s Gelt Gladiator event.

The gruelling challenge, at Walton, between Carlisle and Brampton, was a chance for members of all abilities to overcome barriers.

Paul Allen manages the Carlisle Reivers pan disability football team and took part with his 15-year-old son Josh, who has cerebral palsy.

He said: “It was great day, Josh was fantastic. He struggled a bit but he’s chuffed to bits he completed it.”

The group went around together and all helped each other, playing to their strengths and determined to finish it.

Gelt Gladiator took place over two days, with family-friendly 3k courses on the Saturday and 10k and 10 mile events on the Sunday.

Event organiser Mike James said both days were fantastic, despite torrential rain on the Saturday, with a total of 2,300 people taking part.

He added: “We had some fantastic teams. Some of the football clubs had 100 in each - Guildford Park and Carlisle Reivers. All ages too.

“Carlisle Reivers had 20 of their disability group doing it. It’s the first inclusive group we’ve had and they really enjoyed it. They were great.”

Mr James said the weather conditions did make life difficult on the Saturday, but everyone still got stuck in.

“In 20 years of event management, Saturday was the most challenging day I’ve ever had. We had to tow and push cars in the car park. All the team had to work to their limits, but we’ve had brilliant feedback,” he said.

“It gets bigger and bigger. The kids event has really grown. These days they don’t get much opportunity to roll around in the mud, so they all went for it big style.”

The event saw groups of friends and work colleagues tackling 30 obstacles - several times if they were attempting the longer course.

Some took part for charity and others just for fun.

The winner, Lewis Jones, completed the 10 mile course, including 90 tough obstacles, in 1hr 34min while his partner, Sarah Kennedy, won the 10k event.