Today, Battersea Ambassador David Gandy, and actresses Rosie Marcel and Joanna Scanlan, have taken on the Muddy Dog Challenge to help raise money for Battersea Dogs & Cats Home.
Over 900 participants and their furry friends also took part in the fundraising event at Windsor Great Park, where they crawled, jumped, climbed, and waded through mud-drenched obstacles.
Supported by LV=, it is the UK’s first ever course where participants can compete in 2.5km and 5km obstacle runs alongside their dog.
Internationally renowned model and Battersea Ambassador David Gandy, who ran alongside his Battersea dog, Dora, said: “I can’t decide who enjoyed the mud more... me or Dora! She has become a special part of the family and I couldn’t imagine life without her. I’m so grateful to Battersea for the support they gave her. It’s been a great day to raise money for the charity, who continue to help other animals like Dora”.
Actress Rosie Marcel, best known for her role as Jac Naylor in BBC’s Holby City, said: “The atmosphere has been fantastic and everyone’s been cheering each other on which is lovely. It’s been a fun day raising money for such a worthwhile course”.
Actress Joanna Scanlan, well-known for her work in BBC’s The Thick of It, who ran alongside her Battersea dog Millie, a six-year-old Staffie said: “Battersea does such wonders and anyone thinking of signing up should definitely do it. Millie and I had such a great day despite getting ridiculously muddy!”
The Muddy Dog Challenge has already taken place in Nottingham (6 May) and will also take place in Essex (10 June) and Kent (30 September).
For more information or to sign up, visit www.battersea.org.uk/muddydog.
Human competitors must be aged 18 years or over and dog competitors one year or older. Runners, who can compete with or without a dog, are asked to raise a minimum of £100 in sponsorship. Entry fees apply.