It all started 21 years ago when a group of friends wanted to run a triathlon and TriHorsham was established. The first year attracted about 30 entrants.

Last year, 20 years later, they had more than 200 competitors.

One thing that has hardly changed in the time is the core group behind the event.

New faces come in but the main people tend to remain the same like race director Mark Pumpa.

Mark puts his hand up every year to run the event.

"We got the bug and we kept it going," he said.

Bringing the event together is no small feat. The organisers have to work with council, police and coordinate a number of volunteers to make sure the day runs smoothly.

"Council is more than fantastic and so is Horsham Police," Mark said.

"Without their support and the help of volunteers we wouldn't have an event."

The event changed Saturday twilight after about five years to encourage people to travel.

"It was to encourage people to travel from far and wide," Mark said.

"They have all day to travel Saturday then they can stay for the night and join us for a recovery ride on Sunday.

"We want to make out-of-towners feel welcome."

Increased numbers and other clubs copying the concept let the TriHorsham group knew they were onto a winner.

While admitting he might be bias Mark also feel they have "the best course in Victoria."

"You can't get a better course.

"There's the river on one side so people can come out and watch. If they stand at the changeover area they can see the entire run.

"The run course is around the Wimmera river and there are no cars."

To volunteer at the event or to get involved with running or triathlon at any time contact Mark Pumpa on 0477 678 679.

This story is from Horsham Out and About Summer. Read it and more like it here.