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Tired and happy with their efforts are mud mates from Lytton Street School in Feilding, from left, George Ritchie, Rhys King, Scott King and Lukah Hosking.
Washing machines in many Manawatū homes are being put through their paces in the wake of 1700 school children becoming mud magnets in the Junior Tough Guy and Gal Challenge.
The obstacle-laden race was held on the grounds of Massey University over Monday and Tuesday.
Much to the delight of the young competitors, running 1.5-kilometre and 3km courses, the terrain was still sodden from recent wet weather.
The event’s marketing and sponsorship manager Georgia Frame said about 950 children took part on Tuesday over a course well-trodden by about 800 kids on Monday.
Visual Journalist Warwick Smith captured the colour and commotion.
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Riverdale School students Penny Green, 10, left, and Kate Pitchforth, 10, high-five their success at the finish line.
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Children let loose in groups of 50 at the start of the challenge.
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Jackson from Cornerstone Christian School leading his group. Year 5 to year 8 pupils ran a three kilometre course, while years 3 and 4 ran 1.5km.
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Kobie Roache, 7, from Ōpiki School, makes light work of the cargo net.
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Ada from Winchester School sizes up a looming hill climb.
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Declan Gale, 9, from Kapakapanui School in Waikanae, leaps the last hurdle before the finish line.
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One of the many obstacles.
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Washing it all away are Blake Johnston, 12, and Alexander De Vries, 12, from Linton Camp School.
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And they’re off.
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The challenge on Tuesday was all done and dusted before the rain arrived.
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Entrants traverse the terrain which included creeks, hills and obstacles.
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Parents and other family members line the track with iphones at the ready.
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