WHAT TO EXPECT

ON THE DAY

To see what it’s like to take part, watch the video of Hamza and his dog Vinny enjoying a day out at the Muddy Dog Challenge.

What You Need to Know

RACE PACK AND KIT

Your race pack includes a t-shirt, dog bandana (if your dog is taking part), adhesive race number and an information leaflet.

Race packs will be sent to you at least two weeks before your event. If your pack hasn’t arrived by the week before your event, please email us.
Children's race packs will arrive separately.
If your pack does not arrive or you need to swap your t-shirt or bandanna size, there will be spares of everything at the event. Please come to the Information gazebo when you arrive.
Please wear your Muddy Dog Challenge t-shirt on the day, and put your race number on the front. If it’s chilly, we would advise wearing a long sleeved top underneath. We recommend wearing running leggings, shorts, or comfortable trousers and comfortable trainers (that you don’t mind getting muddy!).
Your dog must be on lead at all times whilst at the event, including out on the course. We strongly advise using a harness to attach your dog’s lead, instead of their collar. This will reduce the tension around their neck and ensure they are as comfortable as possible. Slip and extendable leads are not allowed.

START AND FINISH AREA

The New Forest and West Sussex events have plenty of free parking, however there is no official event parking for the Crystal Palace event, we advise arriving by public transport. Once you have arrived you will be able to make your way into the Start and Finish area, you don’t need to check in at this point. Within the Start and Finish area you will find:

Finish line
Photo Podium
Rinsing Station (New Forest and West Sussex only)
Vet and Medic
A pizza and a coffee stand
Information gazebo
Toilets
Valuables drop
Check-in point
Holding Ring and Warm-Up Ring

Start Time and Warm Up Area

You will be emailed your exact start time and wave number two weeks before the event. If you do not receive this email, please get in touch.

Please arrive at the event 30 minutes before your allocated start time.
Your wave number and start time will be called over the tannoy 10 minutes before you are due to start, at which time you should head over to the Check-In point.
Once you have checked-in you will be asked to wait in the Holding Ring. You will then be called into the Warm-Up Ring by a member of our Canine Behaviourist Team.
There will be a maximum of 25 dogs per wave and plenty of space for everyone to spread out while you wait.
You will then receive a short safety briefing by a member of the Battersea Canine Behaviourist Team, followed by a fun warm up before heading onto the course to get muddy!

The Course

New Forest and West Sussex events

Each event has two route options. The 5K route will have up to 18 obstacles, and the 2.5K route will have half this amount.
There will be both natural and man-made muddy, wet and agility obstacles. Prepare to get very muddy.
It takes around 30 minutes to complete the 2.5K route and an hour to complete the 5K route, depending on your speed and if you choose to run or walk.
There will be a rinse station where you can rinse your shoes and your dog’s paws, but we still recommend bringing some towels and a change of clothes for the journey home.

London event

There will be one 3K route, with 8 obstacles.
The obstacles will have more of an agility focus, you’ll finish this one a little cleaner, but there will be some mud along the way
It will likely take around 30-45 minutes to complete the course, depending on your speed and if you decide to run or walk.
We recommend bringing a change of clothes for the journey home, especially if you’re using public transport!

All events

Orange flags will be marking the entire course, please always keep these on your left.
If you or your dog would prefer not to complete an obstacle, you are able to walk around it.
Plenty of water will be provided along the course, with dog bowls at each obstacle and water stations for humans.
Please bring poo bags and pick up after your dog, there will be red poo bins at each obstacle.
Once you’ve crossed the finish the line, you will return to the Start and Finish area where you will collect your medal and rosette, and get your finishers photo.

PHOTOGRAPHY

Sports Action Photo will be taking professional photos at an obstacle, and at a podium at the finish line, which you can purchase after the events. They will be available 24 – 48 hours after each event.

You are welcome to take a GoPro, camera or phone with you at your own risk. Muddy Dog cannot be held responsible for any electronic devices lost or damaged on course.

Spectators

Please could you ask your spectators to avoid bringing their own dogs to the event, to avoid an overcrowding of dogs.

New Forest and West Sussex events

Spectators are welcome in the Start and Finish area. They may use all the facilities but will have to wave goodbye to you when you enter the Holding Ring.
Spectators are able to watch you tackle obstacles out on the course from the dedicated Spectator Viewing Area, which they can walk to from the Start and Finish area. They are not permitted to walk along the course itself.
You will be able to meet them back in the Start and Finish area.

London event

Spectators are welcome in the Start and Finish area and can use all the facilities. As the event is in a public park, they are welcome to go and watch you tackle any obstacle.

Any Questions?

If you have any more questions about Muddy Dog Challenge or what to expect on the day check out our FAQs or get in touch with our team on muddydog@battersea.org.uk.

Read Our FAQs