The annual Tough Kid challenge is aimed at encouraging kids to be more active, and to get outdoors. The kids were decked out in fancy dress, negotiated foam and gunge along the 18-obstacle 3.5km course.
Sport Canterbury community connector Isaac Sutherland said parents and teachers were doing the course as well.
"It's not about becoming first, second or third. These kids and just dressing up, having a great day and just enjoying the course with their mates".
And the New Brighton Volunteer Fire Brigade were on hand to cool the children down, with little squirts from the fire hose.
Primary Sports Canterbury sports director Mike Wilson said the event aimed to challenge kids to stay active, build resilience, reduce screen time and improve their mental health.
"Cool bit of teamwork, so it's obviously really challenging. It's as challenging as they want it. They get to meet kids from other schools so they're making life friendships or reconnecting."
Wilson said the two day event was a fun way to celebrate the end of the school year. And while the kids all had a great time, parents might not be as happy, with washing machines set to be working overtime to clean all the wet and muddied clothes.
- By Geoff Sloan, Public Interest Journalism funded through NZ On Air