Enthusiastic locals and visitors took on the scenic and challenging Wānaka obstacle event - the Alpha Challenge - at Dublin Bay on Saturday (November 29).

Determined athletes, a large crew of school-aged kids, and teams in colourful fancy dress made for a varied field and lots of interest for spectators.

The Alpha Challenge course includes a hilly run (five or ten kilometers) interspersed with obstacles, including the mud run, monkey bars, a rope climb, water obstacles, walls, and more.

For those in the competitive category, failure to complete an obstacle results in a penalty of 30 burpees, but those in the open category can help each other out and enjoy themselves.

The Extreme Scaffolding multi rig challenged participants.

Organisers said it was “an amazing day”.

“The Alpha spirit was alive and well — community, challenge, and plenty of laughs,” they said.

Provisional results show the overall winner of the 5km competitive event was Gareth Moore (in 31.41.8), and the female winner was Xanthe Sando (in 34.34.0).

Alfie Moss was first in the 5km competitive school kids and youth category in 31.16.9, and Lara Beams was the first female (49.56.9).

The 10km competitive event was won by Jaega Banga in 59.45.1, and Xanthe Sando was the female winner (1.10.10.6).

Wānaka’s Sarah Veasey - a NZ representative in obstacle course running - enjoying the event.

The 10km competitive school kids and youth was won by Mia Sklenar in 1.27.47.2.

The top three athletes in the competitive waves qualify for the OCR (obstacle course racing) World Champs.

PHOTOS: Wānaka App