Sliding around in the mud was all part of the fun for the Cactus graduates who took part in the programme's inaugural team challenge on Saturday.
About 140 high school students from Rotorua, Taupo, Hamilton, Murupara and Te Puke, who had completed the police Combined Adolescent Training Unit and Support programme over the last year, reunited for the 6km Tough Guy and Gal Challenge at Lakes Ranch.
Western Heights High School Year 13 student Brooke Wynyard, 17, said the run was hard but sliding down hills in the mud was fun.
Brooke had just completed her Cactus course, so was feeling relatively fit. Despite that, having to wait in line to complete some of the obstacles meant welcome rests, she said.
"And we walked up the hills."