Battersea Dogs & Cats Home If there is one thing dogs love more than biscuits, it’s rolling around in the mud and getting as dirty and smelly as possible.
They may whimper later when we swearingly scrub their fur clean with doggy shampoo, but they know in their mucky canine hearts that the rise was worth the fall.
Now dogs and owners can get muddy together in a fabulously filthy obstacle course – all in the name of charity. Expect adorable antics from animals and animal lovers alike.
The Muddy Dog Challenge is making a debut in Cardiff this coming August – however far that seems off. This will be a momentous occasion for animal lovers, marking the very first 2.5km and 5km obstacle runs in the UK where you can run along your furry best pal. How woof-ly.
Battersea Dogs & Cats Home Obstacle runs will also be happening in Windsor, Nottingham, Manchester, Peterborough and Tunbridge Wells – meaning this will truly be the summer of the dog.
This should be a fun day of bonding for you and your mucky pup complete with plenty of food and drink for humans and dogs alike.
A spokesperson for the event told UNILAD:
The Muddy Dog Challenge is an event like no other.
Where else can you experience a fun, muddy obstacle course alongside your canine companion?
The challenges are suitable for all runners from experienced racers to eager beginners – and everyone in between.
Check out what’s in store in the following clip:
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There is of course an im-paw-tant matter beneath all that mud and silliness. The intention is to raise all-important funds for Battersea Dog & Cats Home, ensuring staff can continue to support and care for animals in need.
Established back in 1860, Battersea takes in 7,000 dogs and cats per year; taking in animals regardless of breed, age or medical history.
According to the Battersea Dog & Cats Home website:
We receive no central Government funding towards the care of our dogs and cats.
We rely on the generosity and support of the public to care for the thousands of animals who arrive at our gates every year.
We want to care for and rehome even more dogs and cats in the future, so we make sure every penny counts.
And what better way to raise money for this worthy cause than to spend some quality time with your pet? Dogs love a challenge and this will make a welcome break from your park-walking routine.
Battersea Dogs & Cats Home If you are entering with your dog, entrance is £45. If you are running it alone – perhaps with your dog giving you barks of encouragement from the side-lines – then the entry fee is £35.
Humans are also expected to make a minimum fundraising pledge of £100 – dogs are let off the hook on this one.
You don’t have to be Mo Farah to take on this race – there is no timing clock, meaning you can scamper along at your own pace.
Participants should however be fairly fit – particularly if you fancy giving the 5km course a go. You will also need to be above the age of 18-years-old.
Battersea Dogs & Cats Home You can sign up for The Muddy Dog Challenger yourself – and check out some handy training tips – here.
Jules studied English Literature with Creative Writing at Lancaster University before earning her masters in International Relations at Leiden University in The Netherlands (Hoi!). She then trained as a journalist through News Associates in Manchester. Jules has previously worked as a mental health blogger, copywriter and freelancer for various publications.