Schedule changes
There has been a change to this event since the original listing. The most up to date information is posted below. If you have any questions or concerns please contact us.
Supervising adult
Free
Children (aged 6 to 12 & over 1.2m tall)
£12.00
Minimum fundraising target
£50.00
Date
Saturday 06 Jun 2026
Time
From: 12:30
Venue
Avenham and Miller Park
Offer ends 19 April 2026. T&Cs apply*
Life is worth Racing for. Enter Cancer Research UK’s Race for Life and raise money for life-saving cancer research.
Pretty Muddy® Kids is a fun-packed muddy obstacle course for children aged 6-12 (over 1.2m tall). The young fundraisers climb, crawl and slide their way around the course at their own pace, accompanied by an adult. The course is approximately 5k which is just over three miles, and there's no pressure to finish in a certain time. Get ready to get muddy on an unforgettable day out.
The 2026 Preston course showcases the city’s stunning parks and riverside views. Starting and finishing in Avenham Park, runners journey through Frenchwood Recreational Ground and Miller Park on a mix of surfaced paths and grass. Gentle undulations add challenge, while the River Ribble provides a scenic backdrop.
The course route is a single lap, offering variety, atmosphere, and a memorable running experience.
Click here to see the Course Map. Please note, this is subject to change.
You can take part in any Race for Life event as an individual or a group to raise money for life-saving research.
Get your friends and family involved and walk, jog or run at your own pace! An adult will need to accompany the child around the course but adults will not be able to go on the obstacles.
However you choose to get muddy, you're helping to beat cancer.
Once you sign up for your Pretty Muddy® event, you'll receive an email with all the need-to-know details to help you feel fully prepared for the day.
The meeting point is located in Avenham Park, in front of the Pavilion Cafe. Both the start and finish will be located in this area of the park.
If using what3words, enter ///branded.mime.claim in the free app, to find the exact location of the event site.
By car:
General Event Parking: There is no designated car parking for this event due to it's new central location. There are many public pay and display car parks that participants can use such as Fishergate Car park, Preston Railway Station Car Park and Avenham Car Park to name a view. All within 10 minute walk to the event site.
Drop Offs: Participants can be safley dropped off in Fishergate Car Park with a short walk to the event site, alternativley streets surrounding the event such as Ribblesdale Place but please do so in a safe manner, being mindful of traffic and local residents.
Blue Badge Parking: There is blue badge parking spaces availible in all the major car parks mentioned above.
Volunteer Parking: We do not have specific volunteer parking for this event, we ask all volunteers to please use a suitable local car park as mentioned above, residencial free parking or use public transport/walk to the event site where you are able.
Electric Charging Points: The closest charging point is in Avenham Car Park, Syke St, Preston, PR1 3BN (two double EV charging points available).
Public transport and pedestrians:
Pedestrians: There are many enterances to Avenham and Miller Park, the main enterance for pedestrians on foot is via Ribblesdale Place, taking you straight into Avenham park looking out onto the event site.
Bus: Avenham and Miller Park is a short walk away from major bus stops stopping at Preston Railway Station on Fishergate. Pleaese refer to the Preston Bus website for more information on local bus routes.
Train: Preston Trail Station is located in the centre of Preston and only a short walk from the event site within Avenham and Miller Park.
Cycling & Bike Racks: Limited bike racks availible at the Pavillion Cafe, however plenty of cycle parking availible at Preston Train Station.
Refreshments
Toilets
Parking
Dogs not allowed
Bag drop
Showers
Not suitable for pushchairs
Not wheelchair accessible
Due to the nature of the event, this event is not suitable for wheelchair users.
Wheelchair users will be able to access the event site and Pavillion Café to spectate for this event.
We aim for maximum accessibility at our events. Our contact centre and on-site team are ready to assist with any needs or questions you may have.
Sunflower wristbands are available at the enquiries marquee, and our Event Managers are trained Dementia Friends.
A QR code will be available on the main event site to access British Sign Language stage content for those who use BSL.
Pretty Muddy Kids® events start times are staggered in 'waves', each wave starts every 15 minutes to ensure you're safe on the course. If you're signed up as a group, please make sure you sign up for the same wave time.
Adults accompanying children will run alongside the course, but will not be allowed to take part on the obstacles.
Parents or guardians will guide their little adventurer through the 5km course, cheering them on and offering support when needed. If they come across a challenge they can't tackle on their own, they will be there to help them move on to the next one.
Find out more about Pretty Muddy® obstacles.
The parent or guardian will have a blank running number, on which they can add the running numbers of up to three children they are looking after on the day.
Children up to the age of 12, who are at least 1.2m tall will be able to take part. Children ages 13 and above can join our Pretty Muddy® events.
A fundraising pack with tips to help you reach your target
A customisable back sign
Training plans and support to help you prepare
Access to our Facebook community to help you get motivated
A Race for Life medal when you cross the finish line!
Get fundraising and training support, tips and resources to help you hit your target and prepare for your event.
Thanks to support from people like you, we've funded pioneering research to prevent, diagnose, and treat cancer. But our work isn't done yet. We want to bring about a world where everybody lives longer, better lives, free from the fear of cancer.
The money you raise goes towards our research into more than 200 types of cancer. With you at the start line, just imagine how far we can go.
Your entry fee covers the cost of your event, but your fundraising helps us save and improve lives. Join the celebration, join the family, and join the thousands helping to raise the money we need to power Cancer Research UK’s biggest discoveries.
Get set for your Race for Life event with t-shirts, hats and accessories for everyone.
Join the incredible team of volunteers who make our Race for Life events possible.
Explore our other Race for Life events taking place across the country. Choose from a 3k, 5k, 10k, Pretty Muddy® 5k or Pretty Muddy® Kids.
*Enter the code SPRING26 on the registration page to get 50% off your entry fee. Visit our Sales and Discount page for full terms and conditions that apply.