More than 150 people took part in the Pawakataka Trail race at Mokoreta, 24km from Wyndham, on Saturday.
In its third year, the event attracted a wide range of athletes from all regions of Otago and Southland. The event involved four disciplines - a 40km mountain bike ride, a 21km recreational ride, 21km trail run and the Mt Egremont 10km cross-country run or walk.
Each event took participants through scenic bush trails, forestry roads and farmland with 155 athletes taking part.
The mountain bike race was won by Reon Carroll, of Invercargill, with a time of 1hr 7min 6sec with Marian Baxter, of Dunedin, winning the female event with a time of 2hr 7min 56sec. Dunedin man Michael Wakelin won both the 21km recreational ride, and the 21km trail run with a time of 1hr 27min 31sec. Sue Cuthbert won the female section of both the 21km recreational ride, and the 21km trail run with a time 1hr 46min 45sec.
The non-competitive 10km run or walk attracted a large field and organisers have confirmed next year there will be an official 10km competitive run with the walk still non-competitive.
Event organiser Sandy McRae said entries "exceeded expectations".
It was organised by Mokoreta-Redan Promotion Group and supported by Sport Southland, Tourism Catlins, Sport Clutha and Venture Southland.
The Pawakataka Trail was created in 2009 as a fundraising opportunity for the community with proceeds going towards the upgrade and maintenance programme of the Mokoreta-Redan Community Hall.
