IT'S THE granddaddy of all of Sport Whanganui's obstacle course events and a record number of 1600 pupils are expected to take part in the 5th annual Mitre 10 Mega Tough Kid event at Cooks Gardens on Friday.
Entries have closed with more than 30 schools in the Wanganui region sending children to clamber over, under, and through the 1.5km long course which goes up the Cooks Gardens embankment and back down to the centre field.
Starting as a town event, Sport Whanganui has taken the Tough Kid races to the Rangitikei, and for the first time this year the Waimarino, with a combined 1000 children racing.
But the Wanganui original has continued to grow, with events manager Rachel O'Connor believing the enthusiasm is for a day where kids of all abilities can take part.
"An important focus of Tough Kid events is growing kids' confidence through encouraging them to get involved and get active - and to push themselves to achieve their personal best while also having a whole heap of fun.