Kids show they are tough enough (+pics&video)

Caitlin Farrell hits the mud during the Junior Tough Guy and Gal Challenge at Lakes Ranch on Friday Photo/ Ben Fraser

More than 1000 muddied primary school children have shown how tough they are at the Junior Tough Guy and Gal challenge.

They got down in the mud obstacle course for the event yesterday, which is in its second year, raising money for charity Cure Kids.

Race organiser Charlotte Pearson was chuffed with how the race turned out.

"There were 1100 kids participating. The course had quite a bit of rain on Wednesday night, there were a few streams that weren't there before so it just meant that the course was perfect for the kids.

"There's no merit prizes at all but there are prizes and there is a prize for the school and individuals who raised the most for Cure Kids, and the school that raised the most was Waikite Valley School."

She said there were more Tough Guy and Gal challenges to come, but so far they had already raised $30,000.

"This is the second year we have had Cure Kids involved. Last year we raised $20,000 and this year we are at $30,000 so it'll keep going up over the next few weeks."

Rotorua mum Lesley Everest was happy both her sons completed the event, after completing the adult's event five times.

Image 1 of 9: Junior tough guy and gal challenge at Lakes Ranch. ISAIAH GAVIN-AKURANGI Photo/Ben Fraser

"I think neither of them are extremely competitive but my they have a ball doing it.

"I've done it a few years in a row and then we heard the kids were doing it last year so we thought we would throw them in it as well."

Her son Jimmy, 11, said he loved the event.

"My favorite part was [going over] the river under the bridge, going in mud and having fun and being with my friends."