Here's mud in your eye

Emery Griffith was one of about 5,000 people tackling the 20km mud and obstacle course at Hampton Downs. Photo / Michael Craig

The meaning of tough was brought home to participants in the first Tough Mudder event held in New Zealand.

Tough Mudder attracted people from all over, looking to pit their physical and mental mettle against a gruelling 20km mud and obstacle course at Hampton Downs yesterday.

Originally designed by the British Special Forces, the course includes mud, water, ice and even live electrical wiring aimed to test the toughest of the tough.

Tracy East, 46, was with the Wairua Mud Rookies team from Nelson yesterday. East said she was doing the course as a tribute to her boy, serving in the Middle East.

"I'm doing this for my son who is in the Royal Marines. He's serving at the moment."

Speaking on the course, East said she had dislocated her shoulder twice, but would finish.

"They're not allowing me to climb the quarter-pipe obstacle, just in case I dislocate my shoulder a third time," she said, "but I will be carrying on to the electric wires."

Around 5,000 are participating in the weekend event.