RUNNERS in kilts tackled mud which sucked off shoes to raise more than £1,800 for charity.

Gregor Kennedy and Kelly Naylor took on the Flitch Way Marathon in Braintree on New Year’s Eve to raise money for the NSPCC.

Despite the cold and wet conditions, they completed the event in about five hours.

Gregor, of New Road, Mistley, said: “It was good but it was hard work.

“One guy lost his trainer in the mud and the puddles were up to your shins.

“It rained at the start and five minutes before we finished there was a hail storm.

“It wasn’t easy running at all and there is no way anyone was going to get a personal best on that course.

“But we supported each other and completed it as a team.”

Kelly broke her ankle last year while training for another marathon and had to pull out.

Gregor added: “Kelly was still not fully recovered and it was really giving her pain but she continued.”

So far the team has raised more than £1,800 with hopes they will reach £2,000.

Greg and Kelly chose to support the NSPCC as it is the chosen charity for their local pub, The Red Lion in Manningtree, for the year.

Gregor, who is Scottish, came up with the idea of wearing kilts for the run, complete with sporrans.

To sponsor Gregor and 43-year-old dental nurse Kelly, visit justgiving.com/fundraising/gregor-kennedy1 or justgiving.com/fundraising/kelly-naylor4.