Secondary Schools Tough Guy & Gal
Rotorua
2027 DATE TBC
So you’re tough, but are you tough enough to take on the Secondary Schools Tough Guy and Gal Challenge in Rotorua?
The New Balance Secondary Schools Tough Guy and Gal Challenge is the ultimate obstacle course race for teenagers looking to test their grit, have fun, and battle it out for school bragging rights. Perfect for groups of friends or school teams, this event is all about pushing boundaries, building confidence, and making memories in the mud!
Gather your squad, gear up, and take on the challenge – you’ve got this!
IMPORTANT NOTE REGARDING THE DISTANCE – It is an APPROXIMATELY 6km course, but due to the nature of our different venues terrain and challenges, we equate the TIME TAKEN of the fastest person to be “equivalent” to a flat 6km cross country course. Therefore, some venues are shorter in distance, but equivalent in time. Regarding the NCEA timebands, each venue is calculated individually rather than combined to take into consideration any course changes, weather conditions and distance differences.
Challenging Obstacles
Outdoor Adventure
All Levels Welcome
Encouraging Environment
Achieve NCEA Credits
Teamwork and Fun
The Countdown Begins!
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Event Information
Entry Fees and Entries Opening/Closing Dates
ONLINE ENTRIES ARE NOW CLOSED – YOU CAN STILL ENTER ON THE DAY AT REGISTRATION
Online entries open 01st February 2026 and close 9am 20th August 2026.
School group entries: $45.00 per person
Online entries: $45.00 per person
On the day entries: $45.00 per person
How to Enter
OPTION 1 – School Group Entry
School groups can email toughguyandgal@eventpromotions.co.nz with your chosen event date and number of students you wish to enter – this will hold your spaces. You will then receive an Excel Spreadsheet with a bulk waiver for you to fill in with all of your student’s details. This spreadsheet will be due approximately 3 weeks prior to the event date.
Once this spreadsheet has been received your entrants will be registered for the event by the Event Director and you will receive a confirmed entrant list the week of the event.
Please Note: All of the fields on the spreadsheet template must be filled in for each student, otherwise it will be sent back to you for correction. Entries will ONLY be confirmed once we have received your completed school list and bulk waiver. No entries can be confirmed until we have ALL of this information. Entry numbers are limited so we will be working on a first in first served basis.
All School group invoices will be sent to schools AFTER each event to allow for corrections, entrant numbers or additional administrative costs.
OPTION 2 – Individual Entry
ONLINE ENTRIES ARE NOW CLOSED – YOU CAN STILL ENTER ON THE DAY AT REGISTRATION
Personalised Race Number
You must have entered the event by 10th August if you would like your name on your race bib.
Entry Confirmation (online only)
You will receive confirmation of your entry via email after you have completed the online entry process.
For more information or to receive the spreadsheet, please email toughguyandgal@eventpromotions.co.nz
Event Timetable
Monday 24th August 2026
NEW TIMETABLE FOR 2026
9.30 – 10.30am: Registration and late entries
11.00am: Wave starts of approx 80-100 students, 1 minutes apart, to spread everyone out
12.45pm: Podium merit medals/awards
Registration: Lakes Ranch, 79 Lake Rotokawau Rd, Owhata, Rotorua. Registration in the big barn.
Refunds and Transfers
Withdrawal and Refund Policy
ALL withdrawals MUST be notified to toughguyandgal@eventpromotions.co.nz by 9am, 72 hours (3 days) prior to the event date. These withdrawals will receive their entry fee refund, minus a $10.00 administrative/booking fee per competitor.
Any withdrawals notified after this time will NOT be entitled to a refund, no exceptions.
In the case of a natural disaster, extreme or dangerous weather situation, “Act of God” conditions, or other uncontrollable factors causing the cancellation of the event, entry fees will not be refunded.
Transfer Policy
All person to person transfers MUST be made by 9:00am, 14 days prior to the event. After this date they will need to be made on event day at the registration. If personal information allocated to a bib number is not correct then your students risk not gaining NZQA credits.
You cannot transfer an entry to another event, or following year under any circumstances.
All queries regarding entries to be sent to toughguyandgal@eventpromotions.co.nz
NCEA Information
The New Balance Secondary Schools Tough Guy and Gal Challenges are approved by NZQA for Level 2 and Level 3 practical assessment. Times will be released two to three weeks after each event.
NCEA Calculation
The time bands for the allocation of credits are worked out as a percentage of each cohort that races at each separate venue. The time bands from last years event are to be used as a GUIDE ONLY.
Click HERE to see how the Secondary Schools Tough Guy and Gal Challenge could be used as a context in units of work that assess the following standards.
2026 ROTORUA – Tough Guy/Gal Achievement Standard Final Times (mmm.ss) – use as a GUIDE only for the 2027 event.
| Rotorua – Level 2 | Excellence | Merit | Achieved |
| Male | Under 43.57 | 43.57 – 53.25 | 53.26 – 73.23 |
| Female | Under 55.00 | 55.00 – 65.09 | 65.10 – 87.36 |
| Rotorua – Level 3 | Excellence | Merit | Achieved |
| Male | Under 42.03 | 42.03 – 51.58 | 51.59 – 67.57 |
| Female | Under 51.56 | 51.56 – 63.33 | 63.34 – 81.26 |
Important Information
IMPORTANT NOTE! There are NO DOGS allowed at any of our events. Our event venues are on private land that have wildlife and/or domestic animals. Please leave them at home!
Event Distance
It is an APPROXIMATELY 6km course, but due to the nature of our different venues terrain and challenges, we equate the TIME TAKEN of the fastest person to be “equivalent” to a flat6km cross country course. Therefore, some venues are shorter in distance, but equivalent in time. Regarding the NCEA timebands, each venue is calculated individually rather than combined to take into consideration any course changes, weather conditions and distance differences.
Age Limit
Competitors must be at Secondary School or be a Teacher/Parent helper.
Limited numbers
Each event has limited places available, so make sure you enter early to avoid disappointment as these events sell out! We will advise on the website when an event sells out.
What to wear
It is compulsory to wear covered in shoes during the event. You will get wet and muddy. A dry set of clothing, beanie and jacket is highly recommended following your event. Football or Rugby boots with molded studs are acceptable, running spikes or boots with aluminium studs are not permitted.
Obstacles
All obstacles are designed to be challenging, but achievable for people of all abilities. If at any stage you feel you cannot complete an obstacle or feel uncomfortable with it, you are welcome to skip the obstacle (NOTE: skipping an obstacle to avoid a queue is NOT allowed – the queue is the same for everyone!!!). It is important to note that if you do skip an obstacle, you will be ineligible for podium placings.
We also want to make everyone aware that we do not have any electrified obstacles at our events.
Personalised Bib Numbers
You must have entered the event by 10th August if you would like your name on your race bib.
Showers and Parking
Hot showers, hot swimming pool, parking and first aid support are included in your entry fee.
Food and Drinks
Hot food and beverages will be available from the venue for purchase – please bring cash as most places will not have reliable eftpos facilities.
Photos
There are no official event photos for the Secondary Schools Tough Guy and Gal Challenge. Please feel free to take your own photos.
Grade and Prize Information
Junior Chicks & Dudes – years 9, 10 & 11
Merit medals will be awarded to the first 3 male and female competitors overall.
Senior Lads & Lasses – years 12 & 13
Merit medals will be awarded to the first 3 male and female competitors overall.
Toughest Teacher – Older Brutes & Beauties
A merit medal will be awarded to the first male and female teacher overall.
Toughest School Award
The Toughest School trophy will be awarded to the first male or female team of three competing, gender based not age group. Your combined individual gender placing will be used to calculate your overall team placing. Plus – all your team members are eligible for individual grade positions. For example; if your top 3 team places are 2nd Male, 8th Male, 15th Male, your team total is 2 + 8 + 15 = 25 points.
Results and Certificates
Certificate
Certificates are available for download for all entrants who complete the Secondary Schools Tough Guy and Gal Challenge.
DOWNLOAD TGGC Participation Certificate 2026 HERE
Past Results
Note: Podium placings are worked out on GUN TIMES. NCEA results are worked out on MAT TIMES.
Click here to view the 2026 Rotorua Results
2026 conditions – very dry, fast track.
Click here to view the 2025 Rotorua Results
Click here to view the 2024 Rotorua Results
Click here to view the 2023 Rotorua Results
Click here to view the 2022 Rotorua Results
Teachers Information Manual
Accommodation
Novotel Rotorua Lakeside Hotel
A hotel that makes every moment matter.
Check in to 4.5-star comfort with the lake at your doorstep at Novotel Rotorua Lakeside Hotel. Rejuvenate in the spa’s natural geothermal mineral pools and experience a delicious dinner in our Atlas Restaurant. Then retire to your room – a calm haven with earthy colours, wood furniture and picture windows – and soak in the spectacular scenery at Novotel.
Conveniently located just 15-minutes from Rotorua Airport in the heart of Rotorua township, Novotel Rotorua Lakeside is the perfect base for adventure enthusiasts and families alike to see all that New Zealand’s geothermal capital has to offer. Take a short stroll to the lakefront to ride the thrilling Kawarau Jet on Lake Rotorua. Hop on nearby public transport to visit the cultural and geothermal wonders at Te Puia. Or enjoy the adrenaline-pumping action of the luge at Rotorua Skyline.
Just steps from Eat Streat bars and restaurants also only a short walk from the awe-inspiring lakefront, the Novotel Rotorua Lakeside Hotel is in the heart of the cultural and geothermal marvel that is Rotorua.
We can’t wait to welcome you to our vibrant hotel. We’re confident you’ll enjoy your stay, whether you’re travelling for business or leisure.
Edward Judd, Hotel Management
Rotorua Venue Information
Lakes Ranch, 79 Lake Rotokawau Rd, Owhata, Rotorua (follow signs to Hells Gate; Lakes Ranch is located directly opposite)
This is the original home of the Tough Guy & Gal Challenge. This venue provides a magnificent course with spectacular scenery for the ultimate experience. The facilities include hot showers, large hot swimming pool, backpacker style accommodation, hot food and coffee for sale and good parking.