Conquering the course with mud, muscle and mayhem

This year’s Massey Mud Run drew its largest crowd yet with more than 70 students and staff turning out for the July event. In previous years, the Mud Run coincided with the Tough Guy and Gal Challenge, but in order to align with the semester calendar, the events were held separately, with the course set up a second time for the Massey whānau.

Although the day itself was sunny and relatively warm, heavy overnight rain ensured the course lived up to its name, delivering plenty of fresh mud down on the farm.

The energy stayed high throughout, with creative costumes, repeat visits to the waterslide section and plenty of talk about next year’s run before the day was even over.

One standout crew was the ‘Pigs in Mud’, a group of 24 staff from the School of Veterinary Science who tackled the course with muddy determination and good humour. They faced fierce competition, particularly from Vet School students equally keen to claim bragging rights.

Senior Practicing Veterinarian Steve De Grey credited his team for bringing grit and spirit to the course, and thanks the organisers of the event.

“Shout out to Chris Sharrock and Massey’s Recreation staff for keeping this messy masterpiece a fixture on the university calendar, and a special thanks goes to our ever-imaginative costume design crew for ensuring the team looks fabulous even under layers of sludge.”

Sport Coordinator Chris Sharrock says the annual Mud Run is always memorable for the way it brings everyone together.

“It’s a chance to get active, have a laugh and maybe discover you’re braver than you thought when faced with a pit of cold mud. It’s messy, it’s fun and the perfect winter workout – we’re looking forward to doing it all again next year!”

Toughing it out

The iconic Tough Guy and Gal Challenge once again came to the Manawatū campus in June, giving participants of all ages the chance to tackle a three kilometre course packed with obstacles, slippery slopes and, of course, plenty of mud. From crawling under cargo nets to wading through water pits, the event delivered its signature mix of challenge and laughter, with some competitors aiming for speed and others just determined to cross the finish line.

Fitness and Recreation Services Manager Ron Werner says it’s always a privilege for Massey to host the event on campus.

“We’ve got the perfect terrain here to make it a real challenge, and it’s great to be able to offer up the space and facilities we have to create a course that’s both fun and demanding. It’s a fantastic way to showcase the campus, get the community involved and prove that winter doesn’t have to keep you indoors. Every year the atmosphere is electric, and people leave tired, muddy and grinning from ear to ear.”