THE inaugural Muddy Bull Run was a huge, muddy success.

More than 500 runners arrived bright and early on Saturday morning ready to take on the Isle of Wight’s newest and exciting fitness challenge, The Muddy Bull Run.

The options were to take on either the 10k or 5k route around the working farm, with obstacles to tackle for the brave but mud being obligatory to all!

Louise Hart, of Three Gates Farm, Calbourne, said: "We had over 40 volunteers on site to ensure the runners were directed safely and to monitor the obstacles.

"We are incredibly grateful to all the people who gave their time on a Saturday morning to support this new event to raise money for charity.

"It was great fun and a real buzz to see so many people just having a really great time outdoors."

The event aimed to provide an opportunity for people to raise money for charity by taking on a brand new muddy fitness challenge and it certainly delivered.

One of the most popular obstacles was the Muddy Moguls, where participants had to leap from huge mounds of soil across deep trenches, often ending up submerged in thick brown muddiness.

The Tubes of Doom, sponsored by JMC Hire, also challenged people down long dark pipes to appear in a purpose-built deep bog, which was easy to get suctioned in as they tried to run out.

The muddy planks tested the balance of tired legs over a muddy pit, while the muddy bull bars, provided by B. Ashton, tested arm strength and determination not to fall in the wet sludge beneath.

The event village provided all the bravado of an adrenalin fuelled experience with CO2 cannons, motivating drum and base music at the start, plus a huge brightly coloured larger than life-size model bull.

Runners enjoyed rinsing off in the purpose-built showers and then enjoying a beer from Island Ales in the bar or an IW burger from Brownriggs.

With changing facilities and a bag drop tent provided by Coast and Country Marquees, everything was catered for.

Sydenhams sponsored the event with their muddy mountain which tested the team work of the participants as they had to man handle one another over a high wall.

Indigo Signs also provided event signage ensuring the 10k track was clearly marked.

R Hunts stepped in with branded bibs for the runners and their new John Deere gator meant the medics were mobile and able to attend any injuries, especially at the run covered previously un-accessed terrain in dense woodland.

As the runners crossed the finish line, they were presented with their hats, giving them the ‘Muddy Matador’ title as a 2018 finisher.

Along with the hats were goodie bags sponsored by Medina Foodservice, Betapak and Bookers Cash and Carry.

Wight Materials Handling also got involved in the course construction.

Hosted by Three Gates Farm, Calbourne Classics, Pecks Ltd and Widget Productions had spent the past 10 months planning the event and were all very happy with the out come.

For news of next years event keep on eye on Muddy Bull Social Media and website www.muddybullrun.co.uk