Sweat trickles down your forehead as your mates cheer your name louder and louder. It’s now or never. With one final surge of adrenaline, you gun it up the warped wall and claim victory!

After setbacks from Cyclone Vaianu in April, Ultimate Athlete returns to Mount Maunganui Beach on October 10, which will see fitness junkies and give-it-a-goers alike throwing themselves into the action.

A unique beach fitness challenge created by husband-and-wife duo Gav and Jocelyn Foster, Ultimate Athlete includes everything from sand bag runs, weighted sled pulling, the iconic Red Bull Warped Wall and other tests sure to make you huff and puff.

“It’s been a bit of a year for us, but we’re super happy we’re able to bring the event back and help pump some money into the local economy, restaurants and overnight stays,” director of operations Gav Foster said.

Find your strength

For those who’ve competed in the event before, Foster said this year’s challenge would run differently due to the closure of Mauao’s base track, which was previously part of the course.

“We’ve moved towards a full hybrid event. A lot of things are still the same, we’re just running it in a slightly different format and adding a few more unique challenges …”

So, what’s the toughest challenge in store?

“I think it probably depends on the individual and where your strengths lie. Some people are stronger and might plough through the challenges but then find the running hard.

“The soft sand sled pull has been one that has really hurt people over the years. That’s probably one of the hardest – the slog of pulling this thing through the soft sand.”

And of course there’s the warped wall, where Foster always gets a team photo from atop.

“It’s hard. I’m just relying on the team to drag me up!”

It’s no problem if you don’t want to take on the wall however, Foster said, with alternative lunges an option too.

Challenge and progress

Although titled Ultimate Athlete, Foster said the event is all about inclusivity and is open to anyone willing to challenge themselves or try something new.

“I feel like [the event] is something a lot of people are probably capable of achieving. It’s just taking that step and committing to giving yourself a new challenge – whether that’s by yourself, with a mate or a group of friends.

“We’ve changed the format to make it easier to train for and easier to replicate the movements in your gym, or to practise them at home.”

Participants are timed on the course and individual obstacles, making personal progress measurable.

“Your times are comparable to previous years so then you can see how far you’ve come and how much you’ve improved,” he said.

For those not keen to participate, Foster encouraged them to grab a coffee and kai (food) from Mount Maunganui’s cafes and restaurants, and watch the action unfold.

“We really try to bring that beach festival vibe and have a DJ, so there’s lots of hype.”

Ultimate Athlete will take place on Mount Maunganui Main Beach on October 10, from 9am-4pm. Prizes will be awarded to participants with the fastest times in their division. Registrations are open until October 9 unless sold out prior. Visit: https://www.ultimateathlete.co.nz/