More than 650 people have headed to the heart of the Portadown countryside to get caked in mud for charity.

Professional athletes, casual joggers and people who are just a bit bonkers mucked in at the McVitie’s Jaffa Cakes Mud Madness – the ultimate off-road challenge through fields, bogs and ponds.

This year’s wacky race, which took place at Foymore Lodge in Portadown, saw competitors from as far afield as Germany as well as a few familiar faces make their way round a muddy four mile circuit for a great cause – Marie Curie Cancer Care.

This year’s race was bigger and better than ever before as organiser Johnny Davis explains.

“We’ve had a fantastic turn-out with more than twice the competitors as last year taking part and despite the weather everyone has really enjoyed themselves and got in the spirit of the mucky event!

“We developed the course this year and added additional obstacles such as the Pyramid the Foxhole and Shark Waters and it really paid off making the route a real adventure for all. We also raised much-needed funds for Marie Curie at the event,” said Johnny. Jan Boyle, Ireland Marketing Controller for McVitie’s added:

McVitie’s Jaffa Cakes has been the lead sponsor of the popular Mud Madness race for the second year running. Johnny and the team have made Mud Madness a highlight in Northern Ireland’s alternative sporting calendar and a great day out for the supporters. We are proud to be associated with such a fun and active event that raises money for a worthy cause – Marie Curie Cancer Care.

“Everyone who took part in Mud Madness made a fantastic effort and not surprisingly seemed to relish our favourite Jaffa Cakes and a cup of tea at the end!”