"It was great, it was a fabulous feeling to win in your own town," the six-time champion said.-

Now as the event makes its comeback 140 people will be vying for his title by taking part in the gruelling 9km run on Sunday.-

While he has hung up his running boots, he will be there on the day to cheer on the 259 entrants who will be taking part in the different running and cycling races.-

He remembers the months of training, doing weights and cycling to keep fit, but he believes that what really gave him the edge was running the track at Mt Arthur.-

"I knew every single centimetre of the track and I was as quick going down it as I was coming up."-

"When you're fit enough to do it, it's the best feeling, you're so fit and confident you can do it."-

Now with so many entrants taking part, he believes it will do big things for tourism in Wellington.-

The challenge coincides with the 50th anniversary of the area being gazetted as a reserve and committee member Lizzy Rich is ecstatic with the interest shown in the event.-

She helped design the new track with her brother Isaac and father Chris George and will be taking part in 9km too following months of training.-

She said that while a lot of families are taking part in the 5km run, the 9km track would be a challenge designed to test your limits.-

All races start at the Wellington Showground.-

For the cycle races the 110km Iron Duke Challenge starts at 8am, followed by the 50km Limestone Race at 9.30.-

For the running, the 9km Wedgetail Challenge starts at 10am, followed by the 5km Wallaby Run at 10.15.-

Presentation of the trophy and prizes is at 12.30pm at the showground.