Drawing inspiration from the backyard has seen the launch of the inaugural X Race series hailed a success.

The race, a New Zealand first and part of a nationwide series, saw 250 children and parents compete in a series of mental and physical challenges at Otumoetai College this afternoon.

Competitors before the inaugural New Zealand X Race series held at Otumoetai College today. Photos by Daniel Hines.

The series is the brainchild of creator Shane Hooks who says it is all about creating an environment of fun and excitement.

'What we've tried to do is make a memory for the kids. I just saw a dad and his son sliding down a waterslide together. It's just awesome.”

After two years of planning, the series kicked off with teams consisting of a parent and child aged between seven and 12 competing in a mystery adventure revealed 10 minutes before the race began.

In the 10 minutes provided, teams had to develop a winning team strategy to locate all 10 challenges and complete each one correctly.

Challenges included a water slide, playground obstacle course and counting the correct number of pins, which offered a level playing field, says Shane.

'The challenges are things you can do in your own backyard. We have tried to condense the amazing race into a park and into an hour.

'I am just overawed at the sportsmanship shown between the parents. No one's getting grumpy and that's the really awesome thing to see.”

Shane says he is more than happy with the first turnout and expects bigger things with more than 1000 registrations for the Auckland edition in March already.

'We've got grand ambitions for the series.”

Winning parent, Mike Loveland, 42, who took out the race with his 12-year-old daughter Miela says it is fantastic to be the inaugural winners, but never expected to take out the title.

'We were joking a bit earlier about winning, but we just came here to have some fun.

'The activities were fantastic. I even had my fingernails and toenails painted blue.”

Everyone who races within the series automatically qualifies for the grand final in Rotorua where teams will complete in two races during a weekend in April following the conclusion of the 16 nationwide races.

Competitors at the start of the Tauranga X Race.

Maddison Whibley is all smiles during the obstacle course.

(From left)Tina and Samantha Kennedy enjoy the waterslide challenge during the Tauranga X Race.