Competition director Mark Pumpa said the weather certainly provided a challenge for those competing. 

“I don’t know how to explain the weather,” he said. 

“It bucketed down with a gale force wind in the morning and the sun was out but it was still windy in the afternoon.”

The conditions deterred some people from registering on the day, but Mr Pumpa said it was pleasing to see so many children competing in the junior event.

“The run was hard because it was so humid but the bike leg was tough on the riders with the head wind,” Mr Pumpa said.

“Our senior numbers weren’t up but our junior numbers were up and that was an emphasis for us, to make sure they have a go.” 

Echuca’s Steve Gray took out the senior event with a time of 1:03:01 from Liam Green and Jon Dixon. 

“Steve Gray, who is always up there, came back and won the individual race,” Mr Pumpa said.

“The course record wasn’t broken but under the conditions of the heat and wind it was pretty good going. 

“It was all a big success.”

The course this year incorporated the new footbridge over the Wimmera River, which was received well by the competitors.  

“I had positive feedback about the Horsham course and the organisation of it, everyone was really impressed and the newcomers said they would come back,” Mr Pumpa said.

“Steve Gray said it was one of the best courses he has ever ran on, with the new footbridge.”