"When we were young kids, my brother Adam and I were fortunate to be able to spend so much time with our Pa on his beloved Mount Arthur," she said.

"Our Pa, Norman Spratt started 'the best job of his life' working for the Mount Arthur Reserve Trust as the ranger in 1980.

"Having been a 'people' person all his working life, Pa took that knowledge to the mountain and made it a place for everyone to use and enjoy.

"He took great pride in keeping the trails clear, barbecue areas neat and tidy and ensuring all signage was legible for even the average trail walker navigating their way through this amazing haven.

"A haven right on our doorstep, yet undiscovered by so many," she said ahead of Sunday's Mt Arthur Challenge which has attracted a large number of entries.

The event includes a fun run, the run for the athletes to the top of Mt Arthur and two cycle races.

Kellsey says the mountain was a vast and intriguing playground to explore, full of curious trails leading off all in all directions.

"Discovering native animal tracks and being told by Pa all about what animal had made them and where that animal would likely be living was so intriguing to us," she said.

"Pa would love taking us on our mini adventures armed with backpacks loaded with food, drinks and a few treats.

"We would often head out to Pa's favourite trail, the Apex, an easy walk for little legs being just a 2.9km round trip. He would say 'I love the Apex trail because you can see right out to Bodangora and all over Wellington once you get to the top'.

"Pa would diligently point out our house, our school and other places in between telling us a story or two.

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Everything looked so small from up there as we sat and enjoyed our lunch together with Pa and this amazing view.''

Kelsey says the memories are unforgettable .'' Now as adults, we still love to hear Pa's stories of good times spent up on the Mountain. Sharing in a memory or listening to a story of his time spent there, we see a contented smile come across his face, this is when our family truly knows that his 24 years spent caring for Mount Arthur truly was the 'best job of his life'.''

''Its great that now Joel, I and our friends, get to enjoy the many trails that make up the various mountains around Wellington, whether its an easy jog along Brennans Way, a run around one of the more difficult trails or a trek up to the Trig station. The Mount Arthur Reserve Trust celebrating it's 50 year, is about to showcase this natural beauty in the inaugural 'Mount Arthur Challenge'!!! We are so excited to be involved, supporting such a wonderful local event and strongly encourage everyone to come and experience the beautiful Mount Arthur for themselves.''Mrs Melhiush said.

The event begins at 7.30 on Sunday Morning as the Times will present a Blog 'As it happens' with breaking news and photos online and present a full coverage of the event in Mondays newspaper. On Friday we'll present a page preview of the