Some of the most determined runners among New Zealand Defence Force units throughout the country were in action during a 26km military endurance race held near Dunedin at the weekend.
Wet, chilly conditions failed to stop the competitors, from Auckland to Invercargill, who were in the city to compete in the annual Twin Peaks Battle Tab race on Saturday.
At Booth Rd from 7.45am, 21 teams and 50 individuals lined up to race over two of the highest peaks surrounding Dunedin, wearing full battle gear and carrying Steyr rifles.
Event's lead planner Staff Sergeant Gareth Manson said momentum was growing for the "prestigious'' event, and 250 people competing, 50 up on last year.
Air Force and Navy personnel participated this year for the first time since the event began in 2002.
The event was a "fantastic'' success; this year's rain was better than last year's snow.
The toughest aspect was having to climb Swampy Summit twice, he said.
After the event, there was much to celebrate, including Sergeant Piripi Matthews, of Dunedin, leading his Bravo Company 2/4 RNZIR team to first place for mixed teams in a time of four hours, 44 minutes, and 56 seconds.
