The Y’s programme and funding leader Katy Houstoun said the upcoming Mud Festival was a Y Initiative which was aimed to support the Tongan Society and South Canterbury youth.
She said the event would be held at a new location, Rosewill Hall, ‘‘thanks to the generous support of Barber Drilling, who have opened their land to create the festival’s most adventurous courses yet’’.
Mrs Houstoun said the organisation recognised the Tongan Society’s vital role ‘‘in the social fabric of our region’’.
‘‘The Y has partnered with them to ensure their community-led youth programmes receive the visibility and funding they deserve.’’
Mrs Houstoun said both organisations were focused on filling the gaps for local youth who fall through the cracks of traditional funding.
By working together, they aimed to empower young people to build strong futures, gain confidence and reach their highest potential through programmes that would otherwise remain unfunded.
The move to the Washington farm allowed organisers to design two brand-new courses that utilise the natural landscape:
- The family/junior course: A shorter, accessible route perfect for younger participants (ages 5+) and those looking for a lighter challenge but still wanting to get muddy.
- The endurance course: A longer, more rugged track for the older and fitter participants, featuring ponds, streams, and forest sections and loads of epic mud.
Both courses feature water slides, more natural obstacles, and— as promised — significantly more mud than ever before.
Designed as a non-competitive event, the Mud Festival was designed to bring families, youth and community together for a great cause.
In addition to the mud runs, the day would feature an Easter Egg Hunt for the under-5s, a sausage sizzle to refuel and the classic Y pop-ups with bubble balls and activities.
The event will be held at Rosewill Hall and Washington Farm (2 Fraser Rd, Timaru) on April 11.
Gates will open at 10am.
Online registration at $20 per ticket or sign up on the day for $25.
