1500 school kids brave Manawatū elements for Junior Tough Guy and Gal Challenge

Primary and intermediate-aged school kids from across the region gathered on the recreation fields with two goals in mind: to have fun and to get very, very muddy.

The event ran across two days and had a great turnout with 900 students competing on Monday 30 May, and 600 students taking to the field on Tuesday 31 May. While the weather stayed fine for the Monday race and improved further for Tuesday’s race, overnight bouts of rain made the course exceptionally muddy.

The junior participants got to tackle a course that consisted of both man-made and natural barriers that saw them climbing over logs, wading through swamps and streams, crawling under and over obstacles, and squelching through mud. Spirits were high, with many of the kids dressing up for the occasion. While the cold persisted, nothing could shake their smiles as they made their way through the track.

The course started off looking flat and harmless, but became trickier the further along participants got, which left all with a sense of pride and achievement for giving it a go as they made it across the finish line.

A large number of parents, teachers and supporters were present on campus to cheer on the children. There was also a clown present before and after the race to entertain the junior athletes, and hot showers were available afterwards.

Following the Junior event on Monday, the Massey Mud Run was held where staff and students were let loose in the mud. 25 teams of three entered, with all students getting a small Massey-branded spot-prize once they finished.

A number of muddy students were right in their element, including Sam Mackinder who thoroughly enjoyed the day.

“It was a great opportunity to be active with my mates while having a lot of fun and enjoyment. It was an awesome experience and one that I highly recommend trying with your friends.”

Fellow student Lottie Mandeno said she hadn’t known what to expect but had an awesome time.

“Slipping down mudslides and diving headfirst into freezing rivers isn’t everyone’s cup of tea but doing it with a bunch of friends makes it such a fun experience. I absolutely loved it and will be coming back next year.”

Massey Mud Run organisers agree with Lottie’s sentiment, and are hoping to repeat the event in the coming years. As for the Junior Tough Guy and Gal Challenge, Massey looks forward to hosting it again in 2023.