WADING through five kilometres of mud, water and obstacles may not be everyone's idea of fun on a weekend.

But that was what was in store for 1,500 adrenaline junkies who took part in this year's Monster Race at Oxfordshire's Cornbury Park, near Charlbury.

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Other obstacles included crawling under barbed wire, scaling wooden fences and paddling through a mud pit called the 'bog of stench'.

Among those at this year's race was Royal Air Force Sergeant Daryl Harris, based at RAF Brize Norton where he is a logistics mover with 1 Air Mobility Wing.

The 37-year-old was part of a group of 24 who wanted to raise £100 each for the forces charity Help For Heroes.

He said: "It was the first time I have done anything like that and it was really enjoyable even if the water was extremely cold, it really took your breath away.

"It took about an hour afterwards to warm back up even though the sun was out."

Daryl has served tours in Afghanistan and Iraq as well as exercises in the United States and Australia. He said his military training gave him an edge during the race.

He said: "The training and background helps with the preparation. But then some of the others people there today were a lot fitter then I was. I definitely enjoyed it because there was a great sense of camaraderie among us."

Cornbury Park is home to a 17th century house with ancient forests, lakes, farmland and deer park.

Contestants could choose a five kilometre course, though some could double the distance by running it twice if they wanted.