The event at the Wingatui Racecourse — which is as competitive as the entrants want it to be, raced over 5km or 10km— attracted more than 700 people, 15% up on last year, organiser Simon Carter said. People aged 13 and over were able to compete, individually or in groups. A number of groups competed in costume. Fairies, cavemen and women, bananas in pyjamas, ghosts and a group of businessmen running in suits all took part. Most people were from Dunedin but some came from further afield, including one competitor from Chile.
The addition of a mudslide on the course, more obstacles, and entertainment for families such as a bouncy castle this year proved popular with the crowd, Mr Carter said. Men’s 10km winner Jonah Smith said he was racing for the third time, and enjoyed the addition of the slide.
He opted for the 10km race because it was raced over two laps of the course and the mud always presented more of a challenge the second time around.
"Everyone’s been through and churned everything up," he said.
Smith finished the 10km race in 56 minutes 50 seconds , and the first woman home in the 10km race was Nina Jeute, in 59:47. Winner of the women’s 5km was Jordan Bone, while men’s 5km winner was Michael Downe. Mr Smith said the winners received watches, and there were other prizes for place-getters.
The aim of the event was to encourage people to "get out, get active, and to feel healthy."
The St John crew treated about five people during the event, mainly for grazes.
