Tough enough to test a Rotorua ninja

Competitors taking part in the annual Hydr8 Zero Tough Guy and Gal Competition. Photo / Ben Fraser

Competitors from around Rotorua slogged through mud, plunged into an icy cold lake and crawled through barb wire obstacles, all to be deemed "tough guys and gals".

The annual Hydr8 Zero Tough Guy and Gal Challenge took place on Saturday at Lakes Ranch in Tikitere, putting competitors through the ringer to see if they could stand the test.

The course included water trails, net climb, barbed-wire obstacles, swamp crossings, native bush trail, wobbly water bridge, open paddock running, hurdles, wire rope bridge and tunnels.

Competitor Helen Harris took part in the challenge with three work colleagues, dressed as ninja turtles.

"It was awesome, quite hard, but so much fun."

Ms Harris said it was the first time she competed in the challenge and it was a great experience. "It's definitely something I can now tick off my bucket list. We didn't do a lot of training for it and the lake was extremely cold which we weren't really anticipating but it was a real good laugh."

Ms Harris said everybody should give it a go and "just have fun".

"There were people in the race who were doing it to get a good time but if that's not your thing, you can do it with some friends and just enjoy what the obstacle course throws at you."

For the first time in Rotorua, the Junior and Jetts Secondary School Tough Guy and Gal Challenges took place on Friday, before the adult competition.

Tailored for primary, intermediate, and secondary school students, the two challenges started at 11am and saw hundreds of youngsters get neck deep in mud racing their peers.

The unique courses had all the same perks as the adult competition including spot prizes, hot showers, merit awards and goody bags.

In a previous Rotorua Daily Post article, registration manager Aimee Gregory said there was always a great atmosphere in Rotorua. "Everyone taking part in the event is really friendly so even if you've never done it before, it's great to get involved."