The sixth annual Whanganui Tough Kids Challenge was the biggest yet, with most schools in the region taking part.
The event was started by Sport Wanganui in 2011 with 500 kids. This year it had 1790 from 32 schools.
For veterans like Austin, Tough Kids is a highlight of the school calendar.
"I've been coming to tough kids for 4 years now and it's been fun every year. My favourite part was the slip and slide up the top of the hill," he said.
But the course is not for the faint hearted.
The kids must run through fire hoses, crawl under nets, jump over fences and sprint the rest of the 1.5 km course.
Organisers say for some children the event is the first time they've participated in sport. For them, the growth in popularity is a sign they are succeeding in their mission.
