Slippery slides and watery trenches were just two of the obstacles faced by entrants in the Mud, Sweat and Tears challenge near Mosgiel.
About 380 people crawled through tunnels and under a net and barbed wire, hurdled hay bales and jumped into skip bins at the Wingatui Racecourse yesterday.
A cold beer awaited those who wanted one beyond the finish line and OneStaff Mud, Sweat and Tears event director Simon Carter said the weather was ideal for the morning’s fun.
Entrants competed as individuals or in teams and they negotiated a 5km course or, for those who braved a second lap, 10km.
The event has been running for eight years.
Many of the competitors enjoyed a soapy slide down a bank.
Danone Nutricia Dairy Plant worker Logan Wiffen, of Balclutha, said the trenches were boggy.
"The tunnels were pretty cool, though."
His co-worker Bradley Croft, also of Balclutha, said he lost a shoe on the course.
Former Timaru Girls’ High School pupils Emma Weith, Hannah Day and Jess Hutton invested in $3.97 snorkels and eye protection for the assignment.
Dunedin science student Grace Roesler (18) said it was more interesting than a regular 5km run.
"Everyone is here for a good time."
Teams included "Huffin and Puffin", "Keep Calm and Muddy On", "Has Anyone Seen Courtney’s Wallet?" and Dunedin gym Am I Fit’s " Am I Mud".
Winners:
5km: male open, James Buchanan; female open, Tracy Anderson; men’s teams , Muddy Mofos; mixed teams, Am I Mud; women’s teams, Orange is the New Black.
10km: male open, John Huyser; female open, Natasha Kelly; men’s teams, Mud, Sweat, Tears, Prayers & Possibly a Stretcher; mixed teams, EOS Club; women’s teams, KM Fitness — Mudarellas.
