Runners took on mud bogs and made a splash at the Grange Farm and Dunmow Runners (GFDR) hosted Mid-Essex Cross Country League meet at Stebbing on Sunday.

Dunmow Broadcast: Colin Jackson making a splashColin Jackson making a splash (Image: Archant)

Athletes from five clubs competed in what was the second race of the season, along with others who just liked getting wet and dirty.

The course took runners several times through the Stebbing Brook and knee-deep mud patches.

Alistair Brown and James Bosher took first and second places, leading to victory for GFDR’s men’s team.

Also scoring team points were Dan Reynolds, Matt Webster, Steve Read, Martin Jackson and Sean Henderson.

Springfield Striders’ men’s team was second, followed by Little Baddow Ridge Runners, Mid-Essex Casuals and Braintree and District Athletic Club.

Point scorers for GFDR’s women were Kerry Harrington, Octavia Singleton, Claudine Davie and Jo Bisset-Smith.

The team finished second, behind Springfield Striders and ahead of Little Baddow, Mid-Essex Casuals and Braintree.

Following the race, after hosing off the mud, runners enjoyed mince pies and mulled wine.

The next race in the league series will be hosted by Mid-Essex Casuals on Sunday, January 17.