Hutt supports the Wainui Tough Guy + Gal Challenge

Nothing beats the challenge of sloshing through mud for a family in need! That’s what the Tough Guy & Gal Challenge on 22-25 May at Camp Wainui (Wainuiomata Hill, Hutt Valley) was all about; with enthusiastic competitors running an off-road course through water-trails, barbed-wire obstacles, swamps and bush-trails each day. The first two days of the event were for school children from the region, and raised funds for the Ronald McDonald House Charity (RMHC) which supports families and loved ones of those suffering from medical illness during hospital treatment. The third and fourth days were for senior students and adults, and raised funds for Cure Kids; a charity that funds vital medical research to help improve, extend and save the lives of Kiwi kids living with serious conditions. RRT held a sausage sizzle at the finish line for three days, with all $1,325.00 of proceeds donated to the respective charity.

On Day 1 Wednesday 22nd May the first lot of 800 excited junior students set off on their journey; a 1.5 km course for ages 7 to 8, and a 3 km course for ages 9 to 12. After an hour the first lot of kids arrived back from their race muddy, exhausted and very hungry. After serving over 400 sausages with bread, the day was wrapped up with a prize-giving. What an incredible day of happy kids and generous donors who all came together to support those in need at RMHC!

Day 2 another 800 Year 3 to 8 kids filled the field, motivated by a most hilarious and enthusiastic Ronald McDonald clown. Once again as they made it across the finish line they were offered a free bottle of well-deserved RRT spring water. One of the impressive things about the junior run is that it wasn’t timed; each participant was given the impression that they had put their best foot forward, no matter how long they took or where they came out. The day was a huge highlight for all the students involved, and the RRT team felt enthused by all the youthful energy being directed toward a good course.

Saturday was the biggest day of all, with hundreds of adult competitors attempting the 6 km version of the track, the toughest of them lapping it twice to conquer 12 km! The atmosphere was buzzing as friends and families waited for participants to cross the line – what a wonderful way for the active community in the area to get together! Overall, RRT donated 1500 water bottles and sold 1300 sausages. Once again RRT was glad to be a primary food and water vendor, donating all of its proceeds towards this needy cause.