That’s evident with the rise in women’s mud-obstacle events being held in Victoria each year.

This year alone, two women’s mud events will be held in Western Victoria.

Miss Muddy Creswick returns for a second year after more than 5000 women braved the five-kilometre course of mud, hill runs and obstacles last November.

Novotel Forest Resort Creswick general manager Jessica Sheehan said there was a string of reasons why women enjoyed all-female challenges.

“I think it makes events more accessible to women when men are not competing at the same time,” she said.

“You do get muddy and your clothes stick to you, so with no men around you don’t feel like you’re being judged.

“Women are also looking for ways to challenge themselves.Miss Muddy is entry-level so it can prepare them for the tougher challenges.”

This year’s Miss Muddy competition has been extended over two days in December.

With the news of another women’s mud event in the region, Ms Sheehan said it could only benefit women to have more events such as this available to them. 

“The whole obstacle race movement is very exciting at the moment; there are so many to chose from, it’s great,” she said.

The other women’s mud event, to be held in Myrniong, is Mudderella. 

This is the first time the event has been held in Australia after proving successful in the US.

“We know that Aussie women love leading an active lifestyle and, more importantly, having fun with their girlfriends,” Mudderella spokesperson Antonia Clark said.

“We’re proud to put on events that celebrate women’s strength, and we’re especially excited to bring this unique experience to the women of Ballarat and surrounds.” 

While men can still participate in Mudderella if they have been invited by a female team member, it remains a female-dominated event which isn’t timed in order to encourage teamwork from participants.

“Women want to feel empowered, and they feel a strong sense of pride and accomplishment when they complete a unique fun challenge like Mudderella that encourages them to step outside of their comfort zone,” Ms Clark said.

“It’s hard to juggle everything and stay fit; getting in shape can be a solitary event and a lot of women crave something that is more social. 

“Team-based fitness is more fun and a great social way to motivate each other to ensure you stick to your goals.”

alicia.thomas@fairfaxmedia.com.au

AT A GLANCE

WHAT: Mudderella

WHEN: November 7

WHERE: St Anne’s Winery, Myrniong

REGISTER: mudderella.com

AT A GLANCE

WHAT: Miss Muddy

WHEN: December 5-6

WHERE: Novotel Forest Resort, Creswick

REGISTER: www.missmuddy.com.au