mmg.com.au

GALLERY: See more photos from the Shepparton News Mad Cow Mud Run here.

About 500 competitors battled it out in the stinging heat yesterday, running, jumping, swimming and climbing their way around the Shepparton News Mad Cow Mud Run.

Organisers were already planning next year’s event, which they said would be ‘‘bigger and better’’.

Competitors faced 16 tough and tricky obstacles along a 12km course, starting and finishing at Princess Park oval in Shepparton.

Participants scrambled over hay bales, cooled off in an ice bath, climbed over a shipping container and were gulped up in a mud pit.

Some teams wore colourful and amusing costumes while others were identifiable by a team headscarf or unique team name.

Shepparton News Mad Cow Mud Run and Shepparton Swans Football Club president Kevin Preece said the event was all about teamwork, fitness, and most of all, having fun.

‘‘Organisers have been overwhelmed by the support from the local community and people out of town, and the generosity from a lot of our sponsors, providing materials for obstacles and money directly for Give Me 5 For Kids,’’ Mr Preece said.

‘‘It’s connecting with a lot of people who are looking to improve their fitness, while having fun.

‘‘You’re not competing against the clock, it’s a team event, helping each other and getting through the obstacles as a team.

‘‘A lot of teams here are dressed up and making a fun day of it — it adds to the colour and excitement.’’

Mr Preece was grateful for sponsors’ support, with the majority of funds raised from the day going to charity Give Me 5 For Kids.

He said the rest of the money would help set up next year’s event and other community events.