ABOUT 1,600 women and girls gathered at Worcester’s Pitchcroft racecourse to get muddy for a good cause.

They were taking part in the annual Worcester Pretty Muddy 5k run, organised by the charity Cancer Research UK as part of its Race for Life fundraising campaign.

The route ran around the racecourse, with a wide selection of mud-filled obstacles, and plenty of space for families and friends to cheer the runners on.

Many of the participants were taking part in the race to remember loved ones who have fought cancer, with their names written on paper labels attached to the event’s distinctive pink t-shirts.

Organiser Michelle Leighton said: “It’s a pretty good turn-out.

"We’re hoping to raise £190,000 over the whole weekend.

“Race for Life as a whole has been in existence for 25 years, but this is the fourth year that we have had Pretty Muddy here at Worcester.

“It’s a 5k lap of the racecourse, with various obstacles such as tunnels, mud pits, a scramble net and of course the big slide.

“It’s not a race. We don’t time the people taking part; if they want to walk round, that’s fine with us.

"It’s the taking part and raising money that matters.

“There’s always a really good atmosphere and everyone really enjoys it.”

Among those taking part this year were sisters Rachelle and Sophie Protheroe from Hereford.

They said they had opted to take part after their mother was diagnosed with breast cancer last year.

“She’s recovering, but she still has a long way to go,” said Rachelle.

Speaking before the race started, she said: “We’ve never done Pretty Muddy before, but we're really looking forward to it.”