AN assault course that challenges competitors to overcome a series of muddy obstacles will return to a North-East park next year.

Muddy Mayhem will descend on Hardwick Park, near Sedgefield, County Durham, on Sunday, March 23.

Competitors will tackle 40 challenging obstacles as they work their way around a five-kilometre course.

Braver contestants can even choose to extend the race into a ten kilometre challenge by completing the course twice.

Muddy tunnels, cargo nets, inflatable bridges and large stretches of open water are just some of the obstacles to be found.

In March, 360 runners of all ages braved icy winds and subzero temperatures to complete the park's first Muddy Mayhem race.

Event organisers, Durham County Council, had hoped to stage the second race in November but changes in the way the run has to be organised meant more time was needed to deliver a safe event.

Registration is now open, with an early bird entry fee of £20 for the 5k race and £25 for the 10k race available until the end of January.

After this, the fees go up to £25 and £30 respectively.

Entries close on March 7.

To register visit durham.gov.uk/muddymayhem