longjack
running in mud or with slipery footing makes for a different kind of contest.
i remember the best track guys getting destroyed by work horse runner types on a muddy course, at the national level. NZ.
still, there should be an olympic running contest for cross country where you jump hurdles, run up a steep hill or two, then half a mile through muck. a reall all round running challenge. that would be the best of events and show who is the best all round distance runner.
cudos to heath. he's king for a day, week of cross country.