Otago's inaugural Mud Sweat and Tears was such a splash with competitors that organisers are likely to repeat the event next year.
Many of almost 600 competitors arrived at the Wingatui Racecourse in colourful costumes, which included speedo cops and Asterix and Obelix who, by the end, were covered, head-to-toe, in mud.
"I fell over," she said, an affliction that was soon spread to all and sundry.
- Slideshow: Mud, sweat and tears
As well as mud, obstacles included a waterslide, climbing frame, horse jumps, barbed wire and maze.
However, the greatest challenge appeared to be the constant threat of wardrobe malfunctions and the chants of enthusiastic young children who had gathered to watch the action.
"Head first, head first!!" they demanded of those who approached the large waterslide, while clapping with delight each time someone obliged.
Mud Sweat and Tears race director Kim Preston said the Wingatui waterslide - albeit one with a large amount of mud at the end of it - was far superior to its Christchurch cousin.
"We have been going three years in Christchurch and we don't have a mud slide like this. They are sliding for about 100m, having a great old time."
The Christchurch event was so popular, Mr Preston did not want Dunedin to miss out.
Mud enthusiasts from Invercargill, Christchurch and Queenstown were among those who took part yesterday.
"People are reverting to their childhood, getting among the mud and having a good time chucking mud pies at each other."
And the appeal?
"It's good getting off the couch in the middle of winter and having such fun.
"We will be back and we will be back with bells on."
Heading for a hot shower after competing in the 10km event was Robert Stout, who said the course was harder the second time around as it changed "from being watery to being a bog".
