Up to 800 were happy as pigs in mud at Tasman School’s annual Muddy Buddy on Sunday. While Mother Nature had dried up some of the pre-existing knee-deep mud on the 1km course in the Moutere Inlet, participants young and old were still in the thick of it, caked in mud, and possibly consigning their clothing to the bin.
A fundraiser for Tasman School is the nub of this community adventure race with raffles, spot prizes, a silent auction, and food, drink and Muddy Buddy t-shirt sales on drier land also pouring in the funds.
Organising committee member Natalie Gilberd says it was “another fabulous day”.
“You see lots of people that you know who come year after year in family groups, they come with their friends and their workmates, and it's just so suitable for all ages and stages,” she enthuses.
“The good thing about Tasman School is it's right next to an estuary, and I think that's pretty unique, so we really want to make the most of what we've got around here, and it just happens to be mud.
“People have been telling me it's not as wet as it has been in the past, but they've still certainly found enough ways to get muddy… if they come off the course not muddy then we haven’t done our job right.”
Natalie says the fundraising total will be confirmed later.
“We have been looking at upgrading our playground and the swimming pool is always something that we're adding shade sails to,” she says.
“Whatever it is, it goes right back to the school, and that means all the kids can have fun and enjoy themselves here even more.
“Thanks so much to all of our supporters, our community for coming along, the people who have sponsored, and all the volunteer team.”
