For most people a ten kilometre run would be enough of a challenge whatever the conditions , but not this lot . Wading neck deep through thick brown gloop , these intrepid athletes were clearly relishing the challenge of one the World 's muddiest running races - the annual 10K Muddy Trials . The event , which take place in the grounds of Craufurdland Castle in Fenwick , Scotland , was first held in 2012 and has quickly gained a reputation as one of the most gruelling races in the cross country calendar . Scroll down for video . Neck deep : Some of the intrepid contestants in this year 's Muddy Trials wade through thick mud as they negotiate the tough 10km course . Mud plugger : A unrecognisable contestant covered head to toe in muck struggles through the gruelling course in the stunning grounds of Craufurdland Castle Kilmarnock . Dirty business : A runner keeps her spirits up flashing a few v-signs despite being chest-deep in thick , heavy gloop . Struggle : A racer grits her teeth as she drags herself on hands and knees through the gruelling Muddy Trials course . Two mud-coated contestants clearly enjoy the conditions as they take part in the event which attracts runners from all over Britain . Described by the organisers as 'very , very muddy ' , the course takes in almost impenetrable ditches and gruelling trails through thick forest and unforgving bog . Racers must first cross fields and make their way through dense woodland after which they ford several streams before plunging waist deep through dark gooey ditches and dragging the , selves towards the finish line . Conditions are so bad that before they set off , runners are advised to tape their shoes to their feet with industrial-strength gaffer tape to stop them getting stuck and coming off in the mud . But anyone can take part with a less demanding but similarly muddy 5km course available alongside the 10km course , and even a 'Muddy Mile ' short course for youngsters . Some runners even brought along the pets dogs . Bog hoppers : The trials were first held in 2012 and have quickly gained a reputation as one of the heaviest-going races in the cross country calendar . Pet rescue : Even dogs find the course in the grounds of Craufurdland Castle Kilmarnock in East Ayrshire exremely hard going . Swamp : The event , which also features a less gruelling 5k race , is open to runners of all ages and abilities . Ready for the bath : Two contestants show why the race has quickly gained the reputation of being one of the muddiest in the World . Mud glorious mud : A racer plugs his way through a mud-filled ditch . Hardcore : Contestants faced deep and dark goey ditches , woodland trails and river crossings . How much further ? A contestant struggles on despite the incredibly muddy conditions .
Gruelling event took place over year in the beautiful grounds of Craufurdland Castle in Scotland . Runners are advised to tape their shoes to their feet with industrial gaffer tape to stop them coming off . Racers cross fields and woodland , ford streams before plunging waist deep through dark gooey ditches .