There's going to be mud and a whole lot of fun at this year's junior tough guy and gal challenge.

About 1000 primary and intermediate school aged competitors will be descending on the Bay of Plenty to get stuck in for the big day.

Tauranga will host the event on Friday, July 21, before it moves to Rotorua on July 24 and 25.

The off road running courses will stretch both 1.5km and 3km long, and consist of both manmade and natural obstacles.

“The event concept began over 20 years ago in Rotorua where Event Promotions General Manager, Murray Fleming, crafted the idea of a running event based around obstacles and mud,” says an event spokesperson.

“Offering up a larger and tougher challenge compared to the often-seen road or trail running events on offer. The original event was a hit with people of all ages and allowed for the event to grow, now hosting numerous events around the North Island for all components of the series.

“The Junior Tough Guy and Gal Challenge is a success due to the strong relationships Event Promotion’s holds with schools, with many of the competitors attending the events with their school as an organised day out. The junior event days will see a host of primary and intermediate schools attend, alongside hundreds of individual entrants.

“Overall, the event is a great day out for competitors to take on a tougher than usual running course, test their determination against man-made and natural obstacles, build self confidence in their abilities, and show their physical and mental strength on making their way through the entire course before crossing the finish line.

“The events are also known to showcase great sportsmanship and camaraderie where competitors help and cheer on their friends and classmates, as well as those who are strangers to them. An amazing event series which showcases the fun to be had in the outdoors, being active and not being afraid of a little bit of mud.

“The 2023 event in Tauranga is set to be bigger and better than ever. Online registrations have now closed, but entries are still available on the day between 8.30am and 9.30am.”

“If you fancy doing it all over again, there are still a few more events to come in Auckland and Rotorua – all information can be found here.”