Longtime Palmerston Lions member Alex Familton, left, with Lynda and Grant Kelly, of Mosgiel, who were there in support. PHOTOS: BRENDON MCMAHON : Perfect day for ‘brutal’ 4km race

Race scrutineers wait at the summit. : Perfect day for ‘brutal’ 4km race

A field of about 50 runners and walkers start the annual Kelly’s Canter to the summit of Puketapu on Sunday. : Perfect day for ‘brutal’ 4km race

Palmerston’s Axel Campbell, 10, won his division as a first-timer at a respectable 32min 44 sec. : Perfect day for ‘brutal’ 4km race