A group of Cromwell College pupils has returned from the central North Island after competing at a national adventure racing competition for the first time in the school’s history.

The eight-strong team of Year 9 and 10 students travelled from Central Otago to Tongariro National Park to take part in the five-day Get2Go National Challenge, joining 11 other teams from across the country.

The Cromwell team qualified after placing second at a regional event in Queenstown, earning a late call-up to nationals.

Pupil Tom Meyer said the experience pushed competitors well beyond their comfort zones.

“It’s about learning your deficiencies as an individual and then also as a team, and then figuring out how you can overcome those to benefit everyone,” he said.

“The challenges were extremely varied, and you had to work out how to support your team.”

Events included kayaking, mountain biking, running, high ropes, raft building, a multisport adventure race and a six-hour rogaine on Mt Ruapehu, with competitors facing mud, hail and thunderstorms.

For teammate Meelah Maddox, the week was as much about personal growth as competition.

“I learned that I can push myself more than I think,” she said.

“As a team, we learned that communication is really important, and that you can only go as fast as the slowest person.”

Tom Meyer, Xavier Hore, Max Scheibmair, Jessi Cook, Brittany Price, Meelah Maddox, Eva Settle, and Cara Naylor represented Cromwell College at the Year 9 and 10 Get2Go Challenge, held in the North Island in early December. Images: Supplied

Despite being first-time entrants, the Cromwell College team placed third overall for teamwork.

Teacher Kim Cook, who supported the team at the event, said that result was a highlight.

“They constantly supported each other through all the ups and downs, stayed positive and worked together - a fantastic group of young people,” she said.

“I loved seeing them push themselves to do things outside of their comfort zone.”

Kim confirmed it was the first time Cromwell College had competed at both regional and national levels, and said the experience had sparked strong interest in making adventure racing a regular fixture at the school.

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