The third annual Downs Group Rangitikei Tough Kid challenge will be held at Ohingaiti's McIntyre Reserve next month.
Its runaway success with nearly 800 pupils taking part in the 1.5km obstacle course last year, led to the creation of the Waimarino ToughKid challenge in 2015 to specifically service schools in the Ruapehu region.
This year, organisers Sport Whanganui and hosts Mangaweka School are expecting more than 700 entrants from around 25 schools across Rangitikei district.
"The event's continued growth and success is something the whole community gets behind to give kids the chance to get out, get active and have a whole heap of fun too," said Sport Whanganui's events manager Rachel O'Connor.
"Registration packs have already gone out and, with a fast approaching entry closing date of September 11, schools need to be quick to register.
"This year's adrenalin-packed challenge will feature all our usual favourites, including the water slide, the giant inflatable runway, the tyre 'mountains' and the hay bale obstacles. A major highlight, which the kids absolutely love, is the extra thrill of getting a regular 'hosing down' by the Mangaweka Volunteer Fire Brigade, who will be back supporting us this year."
As well as the youngsters, there will also be a parents and teacher race. Across all the age groups, last year it was South Makirikiri School which proved the toughest, followed by Hunterville and St Joseph's Taihape respectively.
