Mucking about at second annual Massey Mud Run

Following the hosting of Event Promotions’ Junior Tough Guy and Gal Challenge at the end of the May, the opportunity to utilise the course set-up was afforded to the university for a second year running for an internal mud-run event.

Up against cold and rainy conditions, 65 staff and students from the Manawatū campus grabbed the chance to take a break from their office and study to have some outdoor fun. They were put through their paces through several obstacles including a waterslide down the side hill at the athletics track, a swamp and Turitea Stream crossing, a mud pit and a cargo net crawl, with several participants taking the opportunity to initiate a mud-throwing fight.

Sport Advancement Coordinator Chris Sharrock, who organised the event, says it was a great turnout and exciting to build on the fantastic response from last year.

“It was awesome getting to see staff and students jump at the chance to get a little muddy and try something outside of their comfort zone. The feedback was exceptionally positive, so we’ll definitely look at continuing to run it in the future.”

Senior Practicing Veterinarian Steve De Grey was one of the 17 staff members from Tāwharau Ora School of Veterinary Science who rose to the challenge.

“Everyone took one for the team and threw away their personal idea of what comfort was. It was more of a mental challenge than of fitness, and although our team may now be back working in their offices looking fit and able, the mental toll will last a little longer. All participants have grown through this experience and have become more magnificent humans as a result!”

To enter, participants had to be in mixed-gender groups of three. The day saw prizes and giveaways won, along with lots of laughs, muddy clothing and excitement for the event to take place again next year.