Tough teams brave cold, mud

Jess Baird (left), Tracey Leeke, and Joni Whitburn tackle the chilly water in the Tough Guy and Gal challenge. Photo / Stephen Parker

More than 1000 Rotorua men and women can officially call themselves tough, after completing the Tough Guy and Gal Challenge.

Organiser Charlotte Pearson said the cold and rain only served to bring out the best in the weekend competitors.

"It was a really cool day. It was quite cold and it was raining, which it makes it more fun for people.

"The course was really muddy so that was awesome. There were heaps of people in fancy dress so it was really a party atmosphere, so that was really cool."

Participants could complete the 6km or 12km course at Lakes Ranch, with the first three people from each category being invited to attend the national finals in two weeks at the same venue.

"We get lots of new people and then old hands that come every year.

"This one we had the Corporate Challenge. We had a lot of support from lots of different companies across Rotorua and the Bay of Plenty. Anytime Fitness from Tauranga won that, getting a $500 Lone Star voucher and a trophy."

Rotorua woman Joni Whitburn completed the challenge with a group of 15.

"It was cool and it was really fun and it was awesome being in a team.

"I did it a couple of years ago by myself but I think for everyone else it was their first time and we have just been doing little trainings."

She said this year's event was much colder than last time, but a combination of fitness and toughness got her through the course.

"It was much colder and muddier. It was fun but it was just really cold."

Fellow teammate Nadine Kelly said the event was a lot easier than she anticipated.

"It was really good doing it as a group, just for that little bit of support, and it made it fun.

"Being able to say I completed it, it was a personal thing, it wasn't a competition thing and was something I have been meaning to do for a while."

-Results are available at www.eventpromotions.co.nz