Wet weather and muddy tracks with the odd hidden obstacles thrown in - it sounds like a recipe for success when it comes to school cross country.

And judging by the happy smiles and sodden clothes on children's faces, the 2015 Small Schools and Tall Poppies Cross Country event hit the mark today.

The event was hosted by Whakamarama School. Photos: Tracy Hardy.

More than 350 children took part in the annual event hosted by Whakamarama School – part of the Western Bay of Plenty School Cross Country module.

Whakamarama School principal Natasha Greatorex says Years 4-8 pupils from seven schools took part in the day's action, which was carried out in great spirits.

Along with the host school, others to take part were Omokoroa Point School, Omokoroa No.1 School and Matahui Road.

'It's my first cross country [as new school principal] and the community have supported me,” says Natasha.

'It's been a fantastic day here. Even with the rain, friends and families came all rugged up and it's just a day to enjoy.”

With each year group competing, the longest distance competitors have to navigate is 3km in the Years 7 and 8 divisions.

And it's a well-loved course given the school has hosted the event for a number of years.

During the course, competitors take to both flat and hilly terrain before a race to the finish line.

Though there are some obstacles ensuring children don't return with spotless unifroms, says Natasha.

'There is a piece of the track out there that's called killer hill,” she explains. 'It's a vertical climb and yes – it's pure mud.

'The course is also designed so the children have to go via a trough. There is no way round it.

'And I'm sure that after today's rain, and the weather over the last couple of days, it's looking pretty messy out there.”

The Bay of Plenty Cross Country Championships will run on June 23 in Opotiki.

Andre Maurice from Omokoroa Point School, Cullum Muir from Matahui School and Harry Larkworthy from Omokoroa Point School in the Year 6 boys' race.