People of all ages can relive their childhoods and get back in the dirt in a fun-filled, mud-filled event set for this weekend.

Yes – Matahui School's Mud Run is returning for 2016.

And this year's event on tomorrow, November 12, will have a competitive event for men, women, high school, intermediate and primary children in Years 4-6 to take muddy honours of the course.

Organiser Matt Griffiths says the school's inaugural social mud run last year drew 147 participants.

The 2.5km course based at Matahui School and passes through two adjoining properties involves a number of man-made and natural obstacles along with a 50m waterslide and a large section of thick black mud.

'We're just looking to grow the event this year – so we've developed a competitive section, which will be run at the start of the event.”

Plus, there's also a teams' section, which will see groups of four work together to achieve the fastest time through the course.

'We look forward to our local businesses getting together to challenge each other for the title of fastest or muddiest team,” says Matt.

'So if your business is interested in being one of the teams please get in touch with Matahui School office to register because there are limited spaces available.”

All other participants are welcomed to turn up and register on the day from 11.30am.

Once the competitive runners have set off at 11am there will be a social mud run at 12 noon.

'This will not be timed but measured in how muddy people get and how much fun they have,” says Matt.

And there will be loads of spot prizes and prizes for the best costume, muddiest, oldest and youngest participants.

And a special event for preschool-aged children will include an obstacle course, slippery slide 'and a few special surprises along the way”.

Matt says the mud run is a great chance for families to do something a little different and have some great fun outside.

'And it doesn't matter if it is raining on the day as you will get wet and muddy regardless.”

A range of food and refreshments will be available and a prize giving will follow the closure of the course at 2pm.

'The mud run is based at our school and we use the two adjacent properties – we're really lucky we have great neighbours who love the fact we do things outside and in the mud,” says Matt.

'Matahui is a small country school, an independent school – part of us running the mud run is to show people we are just the same as other schools but have a strong focus on the outdoors and learning outside the classroom.

'We are everyday people who like doing stuff outdoors with our students – and part of that involves learning as well.'

Matt says the long term vison is for this event to grow 'and there are future plans for riparian planting along the course”.

Registrations for the competitive leg is 10.30am for an 11am start, non-competitive participants need to sign up at 11.30am for a 12 noon start. The event costs $10 per adult, $5 per child under-15, $2 for pre-schoolers and $40 per team.

For more information, see the Matahui School Facebook page or call the school office on 07 5520655.