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.
Adults
£22.49
Children
£12.00
Minimum fundraising target
£50.00
Date
Sunday 19 Jul 2026
Time
From: 12:15
Venue
Hylands 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.
Get ready for an unforgettable day out as you climb, crawl and slide your way around the Pretty Muddy® 5k obstacle course! Sign up as a group with friends and family, or go solo and join hundreds of people on the day. There's no pressure to finish in a certain time, so take it your own pace, get muddy and enjoy the atmosphere. However you take part, you're helping to beat cancer.
The start and finish are on grass. The course is fully contained within the beautiful grounds of Hylands Park, on grass with some slight inclines and undulating areas.
Click here to see the Course Map. Please note, this is subject to change.
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 start line is on the open grass area behind Flint Cottage.
The finish line is opposite the start line on the open grass area.
If using what3words, enter ///rocks.text.handle in the free app, to find the exact starting point.
Please listen out for your start time to gather in front of the stage for a gentle warm-up and course instructions.
By car:
General Event Parking: There is a designated FOC car park available at the venue which is accessed via Greenbury Way/Hylands Park entrance following postcode CM2 8FS. If using what3words, enter ///rocks.text.handle in the free app to also find this location. Please do not try to enter the park via the main entrance for Hylands House off of Three Mile Hill. We ask that those driving to the venue follow the traffic management signage and do not park in the venues own car park as charges will apply.
Drop Offs: A designated drop-off zone is located by the Race for Life car park which will be managed by stewards.
Blue Badge Parking: Blue badge parking is accessed via Hylands House entrance. Please note that the traffic management signs will take you to a different entrance and car park which is further away from the event site so please do not follow them.
Volunteer Parking: Stables Centre Car Park - car reg plates are needed to avoid venue charges.
Electric Charging points: There are none available at this event. Closest charging points are BP Pulse - 2.9 miles or Pod Point - 2.8 miles.
Public transport and pedestrians:
Pedestrians: You can access the main event site via Hylands Park or Hylands House entrance. Head towards Flint Cottage and you will see the event site.
Bus: First Bus service 351 stops outside Hylands Park.
Train: Chelmsford Railway station which is 3.5 miles away.
Cycling & Bike Racks: There are approximately 20 cycle spaces in the main car park (Writtle end) and there are also a few cycle spaces by the visitor centre.
Refreshments
Toilets
Parking
Dogs not allowed
Bag drop
Showers
Not suitable for pushchairs
Not wheelchair accessible
Due to the nature of the event it is not suitable for wheelchair users.
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® 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.
Climb, crawl and slide your way around the course at your own pace. We want you to tackle every obstacle the best you can, but if you need to skip to the next one our marshals will be on hand to assist. Find out more about Pretty Muddy® obstacles.
To be part of the action, you must be 13 years of age or older at the time of your event. We've got something special for our young participants too - check out our Pretty Muddy® Kids events for kids aged 12 and under!
If you have any pre-existing medical conditions, please seek your doctor's advice before registering.
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.