For most people a ten kilometre run would be enough of a challenge whatever the conditions, but not this lot. Wading neck deep through thick brown gloop, these intrepid athletes were clearly relishing the challenge of one the World's muddiest running races - the annual 10K Muddy Trials. The event, which take place in the  grounds of Craufurdland Castle in Fenwick, Scotland, was first held in 2012 and has quickly gained a reputation as one of the most gruelling races in the cross country calendar. Scroll down for video . Neck deep: Some of the intrepid contestants in this year's Muddy Trials wade through thick mud as they negotiate the tough 10km course . Mud plugger: A unrecognisable contestant covered head to toe in muck struggles through the gruelling course in the stunning grounds of Craufurdland Castle Kilmarnock . Dirty business: A runner keeps her spirits up flashing a few v-signs despite being chest-deep in thick, heavy gloop . Struggle: A racer grits her teeth as she drags herself on hands and knees through the gruelling Muddy Trials course . Two mud-coated contestants clearly enjoy the conditions as they take part in the event which attracts runners from all over Britain . Described by the organisers as 'very, very muddy', the course takes in almost impenetrable ditches and gruelling trails through thick forest and unforgving bog. Racers must first cross fields and make their way through dense woodland after which they ford several streams before plunging waist deep through dark gooey ditches and dragging the,selves towards the finish line. Conditions are so bad that before they set off, runners are advised to tape their shoes to their feet with industrial-strength gaffer tape to stop them getting stuck and coming off in the mud. But anyone can take part with a less demanding but similarly muddy 5km course available alongside the 10km course, and even a 'Muddy Mile' short course for youngsters. Some runners even brought along the pets dogs. Bog hoppers: The trials were first held in 2012 and have quickly gained a reputation as one of the heaviest-going races in the cross country calendar . Pet rescue: Even dogs find the course in the grounds of Craufurdland Castle Kilmarnock in East Ayrshire exremely hard going . Swamp: The event, which also features a less gruelling 5k race, is open to runners of all ages and abilities . Ready for the bath: Two contestants show why the race has quickly gained the reputation of being one of the muddiest in the World . Mud glorious mud: A racer plugs his way through a mud-filled ditch . Hardcore: Contestants faced deep and dark goey ditches, woodland trails and river crossings . How much further? A contestant struggles on despite the incredibly muddy conditions .
Gruelling event took place over the weekend in the beautiful grounds of Craufurdland Castle in Scotland . Runners are advised to tape their shoes to their feet with industrial gaffer tape to stop them coming off . Racers cross fields and woodland, ford streams before plunging waist deep through dark gooey ditches .