Gallery: Runners get muddy taking on Whole Hog Race for good causes
Runners compete in the Whole Hog Race at Wantisden Valley - Credit: Archant
Hundreds of people have been getting muddy in the name of charity during a seven mile race claimed to be the “hardest” in East Anglia.
The runners raised at least £20,000 in sponsorship pledges to take on the challenging Whole Hog Race, held in Wantisden Valley, near Woodbridge, yesterday.
All 750 runners had to overcome ditches, streams, lakes and a lot of mud before they could even think about finishing. Ian Loombe, is race director for Eight Point Two which organises the event.
He said: “It is meant to be more fun than full-on but it is a tough few hours. There was a really large mix of people through 18 to 65 years of age, mixed sexes and different people raising money for different charities.
“Everyone will have got up to their necks in water – the course is quite wet and muddy – so they were absolutely covered and looked filthy.
“It’s been the best year, it’s been really well received and everyone seems very happy. It’s gone smoothly – it’s been brilliant.”
Competitors had the opportunity to take part in either the individual or team race over the same course.
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Charities which will benefit from the day include Marie Curie Cancer Care and Macmillan Cancer Support.
EADT and Ipswich Star journalist Lauren Everitt raced round the course in just under two hours with her team mates Nikki Burnell and Lynn Moore.
She said: “It was the best experience and worth every minute. It was one of the hardest and gruelling challenges I have faced but I’m proud to say I have completed the challenge.”
Mr Loombe said he thought the event had raised at least £100,000 for good causes over the years.
The organisers are now looking to arrange a date for next year’s event.
A possible new event could be a 50-60 mile ultra race across the Suffolk countryside.
