The nine kilometre run saw competitors ascend to the mountain top chasing the title King of the Mountain, and this year Wes Gisbon reclaimed his 2014 winning title. 

David Gerrish won the 50 kilometre cycle trail and Lachlan Ross won the five-kilometre run at the Wellington Mt Arthur reserve. 

Dubbo’s Sebastian Harrison was the youngest participant at two-and-a-half-years-old. He completed the the five-kilometre Wallaby run event with the help of his parents and his five-year-old brother Xavier, who was  the youngest competitor in 2016. 

Mt Arthur Challenge committee member Elizabeth Rich said the event was a great way to recognise the “beautiful bush-walking trails right on our doorstep.” 

“We started the event as a way to raise awareness of the reserve, the nature trails, we wanted people to utilise the trails,” she said.  

Ms Rich said that the challenge had raised the profile of Mt Arthur since it was first held five years ago and showcases Wellington and the surrounding areas.

“We now have people coming regularly to run the trails as training for this … It’s increased awareness and it’s increased tourism to the region.

A Wellington man Mark Sturnum travelled with nephew and niece Thomas and Issy Slater from the United Kingdom to participate in the event. Thomas was the junior male champion in the nine kilometre Wedgetail challenge in 2016.  

The challenge took over 40 volunteers and six months to get off the ground. The funds raised go towards the Mt Arthur Reserve, the not-for-profit organisation which maintain the reserve.