It's been "mission accomplished'' for Methven Lions and a big muddy tick for the inaugural 4WD foothills winch challenge known as Mud and Steel.
Held at the weekend at Carneys Road, Alford Forest, the mud tested drivers with impossible slopes and bottomless mud holes against the clock.
The challenge formed a round of the South Island Championships and was organised by the national association.
It doubled as a fundraiser for Methven Lions, which co-ordinated the marketing and publicity, and took the gate takings at the event.
The event replaces Methven motorcycle race Mountain Thunder, which the club was involved with for a number of years.
Mac McElwain from Methven Lions said around 500 people went through the gates over two days, which was good, considering it rained for most of Saturday.
The weather was not always good for spectators, but competitors loved it, he said.
"We're still tallying up what we've made, but it looks as if we've achieved the budget we set.''
Predicting the first time event was always going to involve a bit of guesswork, but experience gained would be taken forward to future events.
Mr McElwain said despite the mud and conditions, there were plenty of smiling faces and overall things had run smoothly.
"For us it's been mission accomplished - we can't wait for next time.''
Proceeds from the event will be shared with the Lions Charitable Trust and KidzMethven.
Methven Lions has penned an agreement to host Mud and Steel for the next four years.
