GLADIATORS across Cumbria are gearing up for the annual large-scale mud-running event next month. 

Gelt Gladiator is returning to the fields of Walton, near Brampton, for their two day mud-spectacular event on June 11 & 12. 

The event is expecting an attendance of around 2,500, with over 2,200 applicants already signed up, of which over 1,000 are children. 

Mike James, who organises the event, said he was very excited. 

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"It's great to be able to offer youngsters an event like this because there's not much like it in the area," he said. 

The slip 'N slide event caters to all ages and abilities, with a 3k set up for kids and for adults, they have the choice of a 10 mile, 10k or 6k. 

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Preparations for the course are underway, with obstacles such as tunnels, rope climbs, monkey bars and the famous 100 metre slide starting to be built from May 23. 

Mike said the event is not about timings but 'pure fun', although there will be some trophies for the winner of each wave group and a t-shirt for all involved. 

 

Cumbria’s largest mass-participation event brought around nearly 3,000 participants last September, as the original scheduled dates had been pushed due to lockdown. 

"I'd like to get to 4,000 attendees, I don't think we'll get that this year, but hopefully in the future. 

"It's so humbling to be able to put on an event like this for the local area, it's a big undertaking and challenge to create the course. 

"But we love doing it each year," he said. 

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Between 50 to100 volunteers will be on-hand during the day to ensure the event is safe and fun for everyone. 

Eden Valley & Jigsaw Hospice have been chosen as the event's charity partner - allowing for runners to get sponsored to raise money for a valuable cause. 

"We are delighted to support the EVH/Jigsaw and hope that many existing teams and future individuals and teams will raise for this amazing cause. 

"I believe that everyone in North Cumbria are touched by the work that EVH/Jigsaw does for everyone and this is your chance as a participant to help fundraise for them. I am excited to see just how much the GG family can raise for this incredible charity," he said. 

You can book your spot for the mucky adventure via www.geltgladiator.com 

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