Friday will be the day we see just how tough they breed them in the country.
School children across the Rangitikei and Ruapehu districts are gearing up for the third annual Downs Group Rangitikei Tough Kid Challenge - a big obstacle-course race held at Ohingaiti's McIntyre Reserve.
Sport Wanganui spokeswoman Karen Hughes said this year's races, which were created especially for Rangitikei and Ruapehu primary students, had attracted nearly 800 entrants from 23 schools.
"Now gaining a reputation as the best school day out, the fun and challenging course is designed for children in classes Years 3-8, and will include the popular water slide, inflatable running, tyre climbs, hay bales and some exciting new obstacles not seen before."
Mangaweka Primary School is co-hosting the event with Sport Wanganui, with some slight course changes to keep things fresh from last year, as well as the ever-popular (for the kids anyway) parent-teacher race.