Junior athletes tough it out

The Event Promotions’ Tough Guy and Gal Challenge was held at the end of May and saw keen young athletes make the most of the turbulent weather and get amongst the elements to compete for a top spot and the chance to get muddy.

The primary-level race took place on the first day and involved running through streams, swamps and mud as well as getting over logs, under cargo nets and down water slides, with the intermediate kids doing the same the next day.

It was all smiles (and even more mud!) for the young runners, with many dressing up for the occasion. A special guest in the form of Te Kunenga ki Pūrehuroa Massey University’s mascot Fergus showed up to distribute high-fives to the competitors and spectators alike.

To ensure the event ran smoothly, a number of staff from the Massey Manawatū Recreation Centre and Sport Massey team, as well as Bachelor of Sport and Exercise practicum students led by Professor Andy Martin, got involved to provide assistance.

Sport and Recreation Operations Manager Ron Werner says the team effort and many hours of mahi was worth it to ensure participants across both days were well-looked after and able to have a fun and unique experience.

“To have so many keen, young kids on campus using our recreation facilities is a great thing for Massey. We know they love the challenge and love to get muddy, and it’s always a pleasure to host such a fun, well-organised event.”

This is the second year in a row Massey has proudly hosted the Palmerston North challenge after signing on as the name-sponsor for the event. Earlier in May, the first of the Secondary School events took place in Wellington, with another occurring in Hamilton in June and more events coming up in Tauranga, Auckland and Rotorua in August.

For more details on upcoming Tough Guy and Gal Challenge events, click here.