Course tests teens to limit

Western Heights High School students celebrating the end of the race. Photo / Stephen Parker

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."

Brooke said the Cactus course was about more than just physical fitness.

"You learn different things about yourself - discipline and all that. . . self-discipline, control, choice."

The day ended with a cleansing dip in the hot pools and a chance for the students to share tales of their respective Cactus programmes and the "different mountains we ran up", Brooke said.

Rotorua police Sergeant Steve Sutton said it was a fantastic day - despite Taupo taking the honours ahead of his two Western Heights teams.

"We didn't win the challenge but it was more about the enjoyment," he said. "It was a way of following up [the course]. Some of them struggled, but that's why it's called Tough Guy . . . I was really pleased with the attitudes."

Mr Sutton said most of the Cactus instructors also put their bodies, and reputations, on the line by taking part in the mud run. And the conditions didn't make it easy.

"It hailed just as it started so that added to the mix," he said.

Mr Sutton said the team challenge would be held annually from now on, with champions Taupo in charge of next year's planning.

Event Promotions general manager Murray Fleming said a total of 6000 people took part in the three Rotorua Tough Guy and Gal Challenges including 2300 on Saturday.