Hundreds of keen athletes braved the heat in South Otago on Saturday.
Participants from all over the South had to endure a a hot walk or run at the 27th annual Papatowai Challenge.
Wayne Allen, who established the challenge in 1997, said he had been looking forward to this year’s event after last year’s was cancelled because of Covid.
"We’ve had one year without it but that definitely has not stopped the popularity," Mr Allen said.
"We’ve got great numbers this year, over 300 participants, which puts us over the line to have had 7500 participants over the entire time the Papatowai Challenge has been established. I find that a magical number."
"I’m very proud of the title and the event itself, and I’m proud it’s kept so popular over the years," he said.
"I’m thankful to [Sport Clutha regional sports co-ordinator] Craig Gordon for taking on the event in 2019. It gives me time to slow down, although I’m still helping out in the background."
Mr Allen said he was "stoked" with the weather and the turnout.
"It puts a big smile on my face to know people have come for many years.
"We give out participation medals for people who have done five, 10, 15 and now 20 years of the challenge and I’m quite happy this year to be assisting in handing out 20-year medals to some successful dedicated folk.
"I’ve said this every year — it’s a challenge where friends meet friends. It started out that way and it will always be that way.
"All ages, shapes and sizes can and have attended and it’s just a positive event for all."
