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Prince George, B.C. – Elementary school students from throughout the Prince George School District are getting set for day two of the Little Mudder Challenge at Otway Nordic Centre today.

It’s been organized by the District’s Aboriginal Education Department with support from numerous community sponsors.

“There are over 671 students participating – an increase from around 450 last year – and there are 24 schools from across the district here – including McBride, Valemount and Mackenzie,” says John Giannisis, event spokesperson. “It’s a 5.7-kilometre mud obstacle race with balanced beams, mud pits, and wooden walls and the kids just love it.”

Peden Hill Elementary School students warm-up 

He says the goal is all about “bringing people together.”

“I’ve done mud races and I know how it’s affected me and the people I did them with. Our vision is to bring students and staff together through an obstacle race where they have to help each other. It also brings physical fitness in.”

Giannisis says students have been training for the event since last month. He says many community sponsors chipped in to ensure free bussing to Otway along with finisher t-shirts, medals and sunglasses.