Kids have fun in the mud

A young girl climbing up the muddy net at the Tough Guy and Gal Junior Challenge held yesterday at Clifton Station. Photo/ Warren Buckland.

More than 1200 primary and intermediate school students got themselves covered in mud from head to toe yesterday at the annual Tough Guy and Gal Junior Challenge.

The Event Promotions race took place for the fourth time at Clifton Station, following on from the Tough Guy and Gal Challenge for adults held on Sunday.

Primary and intermediate school students from across the Bay were out in full force crossing swamps, climbing up a spiders web net, jumping over hurdles and crawling under barb wire.

Event Promotions general manager Murray Fleming said the kids were beaming from ear to ear throughout the event and it was another "stunning" Hawke's Bay day.

"The kids did the same as the adult course held on Sunday and everyone who started the course finished it- it was amazing."

Mr Fleming said it was also great for the childrens' self esteem and confidence.

"They were put right outside their comfort zone but loved it and they all had a great experience."

The Years 3 and 4's completed a 1.5km course while the Years 5-8's completed a 3km course.

Mr Fleming said the junior event would definitely be back again next year after a good response and feedback from participants.

"We were thrilled with the turnout and enthusiasm by the kids, it was definitely a success."

Sunday's challenge saw 600 participants complete the race in what Mr Fleming described as the muddiest and dirtiest course they had seen out at Clifton Station.

The event is held in six locations around the country every year and has been in Hawke's Bay for the past four years.

The national event started 15 years ago with one location and 400 competitors and now has about 25,000 participants throughout the country.