Around 250 Northland students took on the Bay of Islands Beast ahead of the main event. Traversing the hills of Haruru Falls coated in mud, there were nothing but smiles on the combatants' faces. Northern Advocate photographer Michael Cunningham checked out the action.
Plenty of muddy young faces battled the Haruru Falls hills during the 2017 Secondary Schools Bay of Islands Beast.
The competition was fierce in what could be one of the better ways to end a school term.
Under 14 division runner Caleb Williamson led all runners home in an impressivetime of 42:09 over the 5.5km course.
Quintin Koops, left, Larry Heenan and Michael Morrison lead the Irish brigade.
First home in the Under 19 male grouping was Scott Crawley in 43:22. The Bream Bay College student said it was one big challenge.
