Nuts Challenge vs Tough Guy and Gal Challenge: distance, stations, price & difficulty compared (2026-27)
Nuts Challenge has 1 upcoming event in 1 country; Tough Guy and Gal Challenge has 3 upcoming events in 1 country. Data from 4 event listings, updated daily.
Verdict
Both are rated Intermediate. Tough Guy and Gal Challenge has more upcoming events (3 in 1 country vs 1 in 1 country).
Notoriously muddy 5 km lapped obstacle course at Henfold Lakes, Surrey.
New Zealand's original mud run series: 6 km / 12 km obstacle courses across the North Island
Key differences
- DifficultyNuts Challenge: IntermediateTough Guy and Gal Challenge: Intermediate
- Upcoming eventsNuts Challenge: 1 event in 1 countryTough Guy and Gal Challenge: 3 events in 1 country
Nuts Challenge vs Tough Guy and Gal Challenge side by side
Next Nuts Challenge races
- Winter Nuts Challenge 2027 · 6 Mar 2027
Next Tough Guy and Gal Challenge races
- Adult Tough Guy & Gal Challenge Wellington 2027 · 8 May 2027
- Adult Tough Guy & Gal Challenge Auckland (Kumeu) 2027 · 1 Aug 2027
- Adult Tough Guy & Gal Challenge Rotorua 2027 · 21 Aug 2027
What is Tough Guy and Gal Challenge?
The Tough Guy and Gal Challenge is New Zealand's longest-running mud run series, organised by Event Promotions (Cambridge, NZ) with naming sponsor Middleware. Adult events offer roughly 6 km (1 lap) and 12 km (2 laps) obstacle courses plus a 6 km Team Challenge (teams of 5+, at least 2 women), with Open (13-39) and 40+ grades, and a daily cap of 1,500 competitors. The 2027 adult series runs at Camp Wainui (Wellington), Kumeu Showgrounds (Auckland) and Lakes Ranch (Rotorua), alongside junior, secondary-school and family editions in more cities. Entries for 2027 open 1 November 2026.
Frequently asked questions
Is Nuts Challenge harder than Tough Guy and Gal Challenge?
Both are rated Intermediate, so neither is clearly harder on paper.
How many Nuts Challenge and Tough Guy and Gal Challenge races are coming up?
Race.Fitness lists 1 upcoming Nuts Challenge event in 1 country (United Kingdom) and 3 upcoming Tough Guy and Gal Challenge events in 1 country (New Zealand).
When is the next Nuts Challenge or Tough Guy and Gal Challenge race?
The next Nuts Challenge event is Winter Nuts Challenge 2027 on 6 Mar 2027. The next Tough Guy and Gal Challenge event is Adult Tough Guy & Gal Challenge Wellington 2027 on 8 May 2027.
Which is better for beginners, Nuts Challenge or Tough Guy and Gal Challenge?
Both Nuts Challenge and Tough Guy and Gal Challenge need a base of running and strength fitness. Check each event’s divisions: most offer an open or team option that is easier than the pro or elite level.