Surf Life Saving New Zealand to benefit from Tough Mudder event

Strength, stamina, camaraderie and determination – it’s what New Zealand surf lifeguards are renowned for. And it’s what Tough Mudder participants need in spades.

It’s these common bonds that have led the two organisations to officially unite.

Today, Tough Mudder has announced Surf Life Saving New Zealand (SLSNZ) is its official charity and Event Water Safety partner for the ANZAC weekend (April 26 & 27) event being held at Waikato’s Hampton Downs Motorsport Park.

Tough Mudder Senior Vice President – Asia-Pacific, Drew Ward is delighted with the partnership.

“Our greatest wish is for the thousands of participants and spectators we’re expecting at Tough Mudder to give generously to this organisation which helps save thousands of lives every year.

“Surf lifeguards work hard to keep the community safe in the water. At Tough Mudder, we too have our participants’ safety as our top priority and are meticulous about ensuring correct procedures and personnel are in place,” Ward says.

The ‘mudder’ of all endurances races is renowned for its gruelling obstacles spread across the 20km course.

This includes a number involving water. From ice baths and plank walking to watery cage crawls, participants will have their swimming skills put to the test. To make sure they all get through safely, SLSNZ crews will be standing by.

Surf Life Saving New Zealand CEO Paul Dalton says this is an exciting opportunity for two groups with dedicated and determined participants to join forces.

“Tough Mudder is all about stamina, mental grit and camaraderie - helping others along the way. These are all qualities that our lifeguards and volunteers have and hold in high regard.

"We're delighted to be working in partnership with a team who has similar values when it comes to connecting with the community and we look forward to building an ongoing relationship with Tough Mudder and their strong fan base," he says.

Tough Mudder was created in 2010 by Englishmen Will Dean, a former British Special Forces agent, and Guy Livingstone. Since inception, the event has seen more than a million participants across the globe muddy up and complete the challenge.

The inaugural New Zealand event has attracted thousands of participants, both from New Zealand and overseas. The event takes place each day, Saturday 26 and Sunday 27 April – Mudders can choose the day they prefer to participate.

Online registrations are still open on https://toughmudder.com.au/events/2014-auckland-nz and participants can also enter on site on either day – they just need to arrive early as the last starts takes place at 11am on Saturday and 10am on Sunday.

Participants, spectators or family members of participants who would like to help Surf Life Saving continue their work of keeping our communities safe in the water year-after-year can donate online at https://www.givealittle.co.nz/org/surflifesavingnz/donate


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