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Telford's Gelt Gladiator celebrates proper muddy weekend with tenth anniversary event
A MUCH loved Cumbrian obstacle course has celebrated its tenth year- as its organiser who has ran the event for the last decade prepares to pass the baton on to its next chapter.
The Telford's Gelt Gladiator took place last weekend on Saturday, June 21 and Sunday, June 22 at the sites course in Gelt near Brampton.
Mike James with wife Sarah on the course (Image: Supplied) This year the event celebrated a decade of the Gelt Gladiator, with 3,000 runners taking to the course for what was a weekend of 'typical British weather' - with 7,000 of Aqua Pura water handed out to race goers on a very hot Saturday, and an 'incredibly muddy' course on the Sunday.
Eden Valley Hospice had 92 runners fundraising by taking part in the event, with James Rennie School also having a large number of runners taking part to raise funds for the school.
Runners take on the course for Eden Valley Hospice (Image: Supplied) Organiser Mike James said: "Its an extraordinary experience, its remarkable how people enjoy getting wet and muddy at an event like that, it is challenging but also incredible fun.
"Its aimed at all levels of ability and its amazing what people can do when they're with a team.
"It gives you a great sense of self esteem and helps build confidence."
It was the first time Mike had taken part in the event over the last 10 years, completing the course with his wife Sarah, daughter Sarah and son Harry, as he estimated that around 30,000 had conquered the Gelt Gladiator since it began a decade ago.
Mike James takes on the course with his family (Image: Supplied) The Gelt Gladiator 2025 also marked another milestone with event organiser Mike James announcing it would be his last year doing the event, after deciding to pass the baton on to local business owners Gary Turner and Ross Pickthall who have now acquired the event.
The pair have 'big plans' to invest in the course and take the Gelt Gladiator event further in 2026, with new obstacles and additions to the course.
Mike has thanked all those who have taken part in the event over the last decade, as he looks forward to support Gary and Ross with their next chapter of the Gelt Gladiator.
