Kashima Gatalympic at mudflats in Saga Pref.

Kashima Gatalympic at mudflats in Saga Pref.

SAGA, Japan - A woman with headwear showing Kumamon, the mascot character promoting Kumamoto Prefecture, dives into the mudflats of the Ariake Sea during the Kashima Gatalympic in Kashima, Saga Prefecture on May 25, 2014.

Kashima Gatalympic at mudflats in Saga Pref.

Kashima Gatalympic at mudflats in Saga Pref.

SAGA, Japan - Children participate in the Kashima Gatalympic at mudflats on the Ariake Sea in Kashima, Saga Prefecture on May 25, 2014.

"Gatalympics" at Ariake Sea

"Gatalympics" at Ariake Sea

A participant falls off a bicycle into mudflats in the Ariake Sea off the city of Kashima, Saga Prefecture, during the annual 31st Kashima Gatalympic event on May 31, 2015. About 1,500 people took part in the event, which was originally started by a local group with the aim of regional development. (Kyodo) ==Kyodo

"Gatalympics" at Ariake Sea

"Gatalympics" at Ariake Sea

Participants on a board swim in mudflats in the Ariake Sea off the city of Kashima, Saga Prefecture, during the annual 31st Kashima Gatalympic event on May 31, 2015. About 1,500 people took part in the event, which was originally started by a local group with the aim of regional development. (Kyodo) ==Kyodo

"Gatalympics" at Ariake Sea

"Gatalympics" at Ariake Sea

A participant falls off a bicycle into mudflats at a park in the city of Kashima facing the Ariake Sea, Saga Prefecture, during the annual Kashima Gatalympic event on June 11, 2017. About 1,200 people took part in the event, which was originally started by a local group with the aim of regional development. It takes its name from the Japanese word "higata" meaning tideland or wetland. (Kyodo) ==Kyodo

Muddy sports event in Japan

Muddy sports event in Japan

Participants compete in mudflats in Kashima, Saga Prefecture, southwestern Japan, on May 27, 2018. About 1,300 people took part in the annual "Gatalympic" event featuring a series of competitions in mud such as bicycle and crawling races. (Kyodo) ==Kyodo

Muddy sports event in Japan

Muddy sports event in Japan

Participants compete in mudflats in Kashima, Saga Prefecture, southwestern Japan, on May 27, 2018. About 1,300 people took part in the annual "Gatalympic" event featuring a series of competitions in mud such as bicycle and crawling races. (Kyodo) ==Kyodo

Muddy sports event in Japan

Muddy sports event in Japan

Participants compete in mudflats in Kashima, Saga Prefecture, southwestern Japan, on May 27, 2018. About 1,300 people took part in the annual "Gatalympic" event featuring a series of competitions in mud such as bicycle and crawling races. (Kyodo) ==Kyodo

Muddy sports event in Japan

Muddy sports event in Japan

Participants compete in mudflats in Kashima, Saga Prefecture, southwestern Japan, on May 27, 2018. About 1,300 people took part in the annual "Gatalympic" event featuring a series of competitions in mud such as bicycle and crawling races. (Kyodo) ==Kyodo

Muddy sports event in Japan

Muddy sports event in Japan

Participants compete in mudflats in Kashima, Saga Prefecture, southwestern Japan, on May 27, 2018. About 1,300 people took part in the annual "Gatalympic" event featuring a series of competitions in mud such as bicycle and crawling races. (Kyodo) ==Kyodo

Muddy sports event in Japan

Muddy sports event in Japan

A woman falls during a bicycle race in mudflats in Kashima, Saga Prefecture, southwestern Japan, on May 27, 2018. About 1,300 people took part in the annual "Gatalympic" event featuring a series of competitions in mud. (Kyodo) ==Kyodo