QUITE a few years ago, back in 1987, a race called Tough Guy was born.

This combined running with a series of rather extreme obstacles and a great deal of water and mud and was for a long time the only event of its kind.

More recently, the Tough Mudder events have taken-off, at various venues around the country, and huge amounts of cash have been injected into creating more high-tech obstacles.

With more venues and publicity, more people have been able to take part.

It can’t be called a race but rather it is a 10-12 mile test of stamina and determination and also of teamwork.

There are no winners, no result times, but a great sense of achievement for those who complete the course.

It has to be said that Thornbury Running Club members Dave Beard and Kevin Cundy have already proved themselves over and through mud, and the running part of the event provided no challenge at all.

But on Sunday, they took part in the most local event, held in Cirencester Park, and, of course, they finished it.

There were no personal bests for Thornbury at Chipping Sodbury parkrun, although Carole Bishop equalled her best time of 35.13minutes with husband Graham just a few seconds behind, 35.16minutes.

Kevin Arnold also took part finishing some way ahead in 23.12minutes.

For a longer but flat and fast run, the Oldbury Power 10-miler is now just three weeks away.

Starting and finishing at Oldbury Power Station, the figure-of-eight course is on quiet country lanes and as well as providing a potential for a personal best time, is a good training race for the Bristol Half Marathon.

Unless sold out earlier, entries will be available on the day of the race – Sunday September 11 at 10.30am.

Full details of this and other Thornbury Running Club events are available on the club’s website www.thornburyrunningclub.co.uk