Physical activity events of any nature provide competitors with the opportunity to test their abilities against others, face a challenge they’ve set themselves, take time out to compete with friends, family, or colleagues, and visit new places around New Zealand.
Massey University knows the positive outcomes from events such as the Tough Guy and Gal Challenge Series, and has recently signed on as the naming rights sponsor for the Secondary School Tough Guy and Gal Challenge for 2022 and 2023.
Jacob Oram, Sport Advancement Manager, is excited the university has chosen to be part of the events. “This is a great opportunity for the university to partner with an event that sees participants across a range of ages and abilities challenge themselves in a unique and enjoyable race.
“For the past two years the Manawatū campus has hosted the Palmerston North Junior event, which has seen an amazing number of committed young runners descend on Massey’s fields, farms and the Community Athletic Track. The engagement between the wider community and the university is something that Massey values highly, so the Tough Guy and Gal Challenge is a fantastic vehicle to strengthen that connection.”
This year marks 20 years since the mud run began
New Zealand’s original mud run series, the Tough Guy and Gal Challenge started 20 years ago through the idea of Event Promotions General Manager, Murray Fleming. The event series gave Kiwi adult’s the opportunity to tackle a unique off-road running event where they get down and dirty through either a six kilometre or 12 kilometre muddy obstacle course. The courses consist of man-made and natural obstacles resulting in competitors having to crawl, climb, balance, or run and jump to make their way to the finish line.
The Secondary School Tough Guy and Gal Challenge was established shortly after in 2012 and is celebrating its 10th anniversary this year, alongside the original Tough Guy and Gal Challenge’s 20th anniversary.
The Secondary School Tough Guy and Gal Challenge not only offers an event specifically catered to secondary school aged students to attend alongside their school and see if they can be the Toughest School in their region, it also offers students the opportunity to gain NCEA Level 2 and Level 3 credits, making it a highly sought-after event from secondary schools around the North Island.
“Massey is the perfect partner to take this event through the 2022 and 2023 season as students heading towards their next phase in life will have the opportunity to learn about the possibilities at university,” Mr Oram says.
