Mud, muscle and mental toughness were on full display as the Wairua Warrior obstacle race returned to Cable Bay on Saturday.
The 11th annual event at Nelson Obstacle Park drew hundreds of competitors who pushed themselves through a punishing course of tyre mountains, wire crawls and knee-deep bogs.
Mud-covered racers completed either the 2.5km, 3km, 5km or 10km courses, with wet and wild conditions adding an extra layer of challenge.
Depending on perspective, the weather was either horrendous or phenomenal. Relentless rain turned parts of the course into slippery quagmires, keeping even the most experienced competitors honest.
Despite the conditions, the atmosphere remained upbeat as teams and individuals crawled, scrapped and clawed their way over dozens of high-intensity obstacles.
Among the entrants was CrossFit 7010 team ‘No Rep Nation’, who began the race daisy-fresh but finished the five-kilometre event battered, bruised and smiling.
Team member Lana Hennah was among many participants glad to be heading for the showers at the finish line.
“It was awesome, but so brutal. The water obstacle felt like an ice bath, and we’re covered in bruises and gorse rash. There are a few pulled muscles as well, but the feeling of accomplishment at the end was amazing. I couldn’t think of a better crew to race with,” Lana says.
