It's a case of mud, mud, glorious mud for participants in next month's Mud Rush, which aims to raise funds for people with sight loss.
Organised by west of Scotland-based charity Visibility, which has been helping people with visual impairments for more than 150 years, the event gives people the chance to get deep down and dirty as they run, climb, slide and crawl over Scotland's biggest - and muddiest - assault course, at Craufurdland Castle in East Ayrshire.
Conquering the obstacles, which include an 11ft-high wall, tunnels, balancing beams and water cages, will be mixed-ability teams from all over the country.
Among them is a squad from Glasgow City Council's land and environment services department, whose daily life of grime should set them up well for the challenge.
Team captain Paul Martin is registered blind and deaf after developing the condition retinitis pigmentosa when he was aged just nine. Paul, who works for the council's cleansing department in Glasgow city centre, says he has never let his disability stop him from doing things he enjoys, particularly with his daughter Stephanie, 14, who is also part of the Mud Rush team.
He and the team are more than happy to spend a Sunday covered in mud for a good cause.
"I am very grateful to Visibility for their support over the years and I am taking part in this event to give something back for the help I have received," says Paul.
The charity provides a range of vital support services and information to people with sight loss and their families, including help for people to live independently, social activities, technology training and emotional support. Visibility also offers specialised support to visually impaired people with children, including a peer-support network.
And if you fancy muddying the waters for a good cause, there's still time to take part. There's a £10 registration fee, and each participant pledges to raise at least £30 in sponsorship for Visibility.
The organisers say you shouldn't worry about being super fit - each participant can go around the course at their own pace. But it's perhaps advisable to bring a change of clothes - and a sense of humour - as getting wet and dirty on the day is unavoidable, and indeed part of the fun.
All the money raised by participants will help Visibility support children and adults who are blind or partially sighted across Glasgow and the west of Scotland.
Mud Rush takes place on Sunday May 17 at Craufurdland Castle in East Ayrshire.
You can sign up for the challenge online at visibility.org.uk or call 0141 332 4632 to book your place.
MARIANNE TAYLOR
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