More than 500 runners and obstacle race enthusiasts took part in the first-ever Tough Tribe event in Stockport.

The event at Stockport Sports Village, set to be an annual fixture, was the brainchild of charitable trust and not-for-profit social enterprise Life Leisure.

The 570 competitors took part over two distances – 5km and 10km – that included open ground, woodland and rivers, and featured a wide range of natural and man-made obstacles.

Among them was a brand new Tough Tribe obstacle, the Chicken Dipper, which involved diving into paint powder, then gunge, flour and feathers for a colourful, messy finish.

First man past the post was Russell Parrington from Team Ensure, with Darren Leather and Dave Seviour, both of Team Zeus, second and third.

The first woman over the final wall and across the line was Dominique Searle from the Mudstacle Machines, with Michelle Kehoe (Solo Mudders) second and Claire Jones third.

Special mention for Vince James, captain of Team Wrongen, who was not placed, but travelled all the way from Brighton to test himself against the industry’s newest event.

Dominique said: “It was muddy mayhem! I may have taken a few slips on to my backside, but it was great fun.

“This was a brilliant first race for Tough Tribe; it was sold out today and I don’t doubt it will be sold out next year too.”

Team Zeus manager Mark Noble added: “It was an absolutely fantastic race,  the best event this year and one to look out for in the future.”

Tough Tribe directors’ brainchild

Tough Tribe race directors Andy Brooks and Michaela Pennington brought the project from initial concept through to fruition.

Andy said: “The day couldn’t have gone any better, thanks to the spirit of the participants and our amazing team of volunteers.

Tough Tribe team, Zeus boys and Life Leisure staff were unbelievable.

“All the blood, sweat and tears paid off in making this inaugural event amazing.

“I would like to give a special thank you to everyone for taking part and for their fantastic feedback.”

The event attracted a huge number of team entries from companies and recognised fitness brands.

Benchmark Gym (Blackburn) entered a 56-strong team, while Project Solar UK fielded 30 runners.

Team Legally Mud raised money for the Candlelight Trust – a Leeds charity that helps children with cancer and their families.

Team Zeus’ Mark Noble was instrumental in building the brand new obstacles for the event, as well as supporting the course build and maintenance.

Lead sponsor was Core Health & Fitness, with further support from Media Publishing & Design, Binary Box and Dawn Creative.

Follow @ToughTribeOCR for more photos from the event or click to see a film of it here.