21 runners ran 5k and shifted 10 tons of mud for an inner city veg growing project

This evening Tower Hamlets GoodGym-ers were met with one of their muddiest challenges to date. A brisk run and chat along Old Bethnal Green Road led the group towards Old Street/Hoxton where, after successfully losing Mark, we were faced with the daunting tasks of shifting some 10 tonnes of wet mud.

Naturally, as it's GoodGym, it was all for a good cause: the project (one of 21 in London) aims to give local residents space to grow their own plants or food in disused spaces. Nonetheless, the sheer size of the job only became apparent once the lack of equipment became clear: two shovels... and some old plant pots - complete with holes in the bottom.

Undeterred, working in threes, we successfully shifted 10 tonnes of mud from old builder's bags to new ones, successfully sprucing up people's micro-allotments in the process. It was wet, tough and muddy work - but worth it!

Before departing, there was still time for the heavens to open and Mark to lead a little planking session on mud-covered concrete before our slightly quicker run home - people clearly wanted to clean up!

Another success for GoodGym. Note to self: bring your own gloves and spades.

Will Carter