Battling the wind, rain, piles of mud and climbing seven-foot walls isn't everyone's idea of a nice start to the weekend.
But for the thousands who turned out at the Ellerslie racecourse it was, as they took part in New Zealand's first Spartan challenge - an extreme obstacle-course race designed to push people to their limits.
"[It's] so much more than an obstacle course, [it's a] massive community built around leading a healthy lifestyle," Spartan marketing manager Jack Biss told Newshub.
The event doesn't just cater to the average competitors that can give it a go. Spartan Racing is a serious business offering events for top athletes, with big prize money on offer.
Suiting everyone from kids to elite athletes, the Spartan Race provides a fresh way for people to test themselves.
With over a million competitors worldwide the popular event is expected to become a permanent fixture in Auckland.
Watch the full video above.