mmg.com.au

Shepparton is being encouraged to get down and get dirty in the region’s first Shepparton News Mad Cow Mud Run.

The fun run, which is similar to a Tough Mudder-style obstacle course, will raise funds to support the Goulburn Valley Health children’s ward and local community groups.

The run will be on a full 12km course and be held on Sunday, March 10.

Participants will begin the course at Princess Park and make their way along obstacle-filled pathways to KidsTown, where they will complete more obstacles before returning to Princess Park.

The course is expected to have 12 obstacles, including pipe crawls, an iced-water pond, a rope jungle, cable-drum crawl and lots of mud.

Shepparton News Mad Cow Mud Run organiser Gary Gerada said he had competed in several of these types of events, and that it would be ‘‘wet, wild, muddy and fun’’.

‘‘These events are becoming increasingly popular and there is nothing like this in rural Victoria,’’ he said.

‘‘We hope that this will be an event for locals and something that can attract people to come to the Goulburn Valley for the event and then stay a day or two.’’

‘‘We are very hopeful that this event will raise much needed funds for GV Health and can become an annual event established on the Shepparton sporting calendar.’’

Individuals and teams are being encouraged to enter, with optional themed-dressing a choice for those who really want to make a statement.

‘‘It’s not just for serious fitness types. The event will cater for all levels. If an obstacle is too hard, just go around it,’’ Mr Gerada said.

‘‘It’s about fitness and fun.’’

Mr Gerada said the event’s name derived from Shepparton’s iconic cows.

‘‘We thought it would be something a little fun, and keep it as a community thing,’’ he said.

Mr Gerada said event numbers would be capped and encouraged people to register their interest in the event as soon as possible.

He said nomination closing dates would be advised in the near future.

For more information about the event or sponsorship opportunities, phone Mr Gerada on 0425862240 or visit www.madcowmudrun.com.au