Groggy Doggy 2022: Bungay run set to return on Boxing Day

The Groggy Doggy run is back for 2022, with muddy legs and soggy paws set to race over Outney Common in Bungay on Boxing Day.

The event, hosted by the Bungay Black Dog Running Club, will once again include races for eight to 12-year-olds, a canine run and a human run.

Cathy with Herbie and Solo at the Groggy Doggy run (Image: Archant)

Last year's event saw more than 300 runners descend on Outney Common, many of who donned fancy dress, with an array of costumes on show.

Tony Morley, communications lead and committee member of Bungay Black Dog Running Club, said: "It is always a really popular event because it has that extra something, with the fancy dress, the mud, the water and the dogs.

"It is a unique combination, not just another run, and people seem to love doing it on Boxing Day.

"We're delighted to be bringing it back in full for the first time since lockdown.

"We ran it last year but everyone was still on their tiptoes with social distancing, and we were feeling our way, so it is a relief we are doing it properly again."

Adult runners will look to complete up to two laps of the picturesque riverside course, 5.2 miles in all, while junior runners will take on a 1.5 mile lap.

Mr Morley said: "Conditions aren't too bad at the minute but it can get very wet if it rains in the lead up to Christmas.

"Both the Groggy Doggy, and our Festival of Running in the spring, accept donations, and we're also accepting pet food to give to local animal charities so something good comes out of it, rather than just some muddy runners."

Spaces for this year's event are limited to 350, with this year's prize presentation including awards for muddiest runner, muddiest dog, and best fancy dress.

To sign up, go online to: blackdogs.run/events/groggy-doggy-2.