Mud couldn't cover the beaming smiles of the triumphant.
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The Maas Titan Macquarie Mud Run made a long-awaited return on Saturday attracting more than 1300 participants, organisers report.
It was a strong comeback by the Dubbo event after COVID-19 forced its cancellation last year.
Committee president Rod Fardell said the day had been a "roaring success".
"It's very hard to describe yesterday except pure elation," he said.
There had been huge community support from sponsors, the more than 50 volunteers, and the more than 1300 participants, he said.
"...the photos speak for themselves, and the atmosphere here was just off the charts," he said.
"So it was just an amazing day, both weather-wise, with everything falling in play after obviously COVID and floods.
"And to be able to hold this event, obviously two years after having to cancel it and postpone it [last year] was just a massive elation for us to be able to get the event done, and for it to be such a roaring success."
The committee was pleased to see about 475 children take part.
"All those kids coming down are the future," Mr Fardell said.
"So to see them, they're building resilience, they're working on their health, overcoming obstacles and challenges and working with their parents to actually get through those."
So to see them, they're building resilience, they're working on their health, overcoming obstacles and challenges and working with their parents to actually get through those.
- Maas Titan Macquarie Mud Run president Rod Fardell
The president offered thanks to all the businesses and people who had stuck by the event through the COVID challenge, and to the committee for its hard work.
Mr Fardell reports 20 to 25 per cent of participants are visitors to Dubbo for the weekend.
"I truly believe that will grow," he said.
"I mean, this event is unique, in that we've got an amazing setting around our riverscape, where we create an obstacle course that's part of the city, which is extremely unique.
"The other part obviously is everything goes back into the community so it's a win-win."
Among the visitors to the city was Chloe Holmes, who came with a group from Orange.
Ms Holmes said she'd done the mud run once before and hadn't hesitated when her friend mentioned the 2021 event.
"The rest of my team had never done it before, but I had, and I was like 'Yep, yep, I'm doing it, you guys are going to love it', and they did, they loved it," she said.
Ms Holmes said this year's experience was "challenging but fun" and that she would definitely go in it again.
Ten members of the NSW Rural Fire Service's Boothenba brigade also took on the obstacles.
"The best part... we all had a positive attitude, a strong sense of mateship and trust among the team which made the morning really fun and we laughed every minute," brigade community engagement officer Amy Powyer said.
"Also walking through the finishing arch as a team with heightened spirits and a sense of relief was a great feeling as well."
Proceeds from the event are donated to community recreational facilities.
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