The MLT Moonshine Trail celebrated its 20th year in style at Dolamore Park on Saturday (February 14).

The Active Southland-run event was first staged in 2006 and over the past two decades has grown into the province’s largest mountain biking and offroad running event.

Active Southland communications manager Nathan Burdon said a huge amount of effort went into the event.

“You’ve got the landowners who provide once-a-year access to their properties, the amazing volunteers from the Hokonui Mountainbike Club who prepare the trails and course, Gore District Council staff who ensure Dolamore Park is in pristine condition and our long-standing naming sponsor the MLT,” Burdon said.

“From our perspective, we pull in Active Southland staff from across our organisation to help out and ensure everyone has a quality experience on the day.”

Participants were rewarded for their efforts with a commemorative 20th anniversary medal, while one lucky entrant went home with a new mountain bike courtesy of sponsor CrossRoads Cycles.

About 450 participants took part across the biking, running and walking categories. Mild, overcast conditions were perfect for those taking part in the longer events.

Josh Haggerty, fresh from helping Josh Burnett win a third Tour of Southland last month, provisionally won the open men’s 50km mountain bike event, with Zara Mackley winning the women’s category.

Gore’s Nic Sowerby won the men’s 39km event, with Invercargill’s Tracey Hamiltonw winning the women’s race.

Invercargill’s Andrew Brown won the 30km category and was the first veteran rider home, with Gore’s Hannah Wilson winning the women’s category.

Dunedin runner Kristy Eyles won the women’s 15km trail run, with Invercargill’s Craig Iverson the first male runner home.

Gore junior runner Lily Wiegersma won the women’s 5km race in 24min 20sec, just ahead of fellow junior Freya Gilmour.

Following their successful introduction last year, the family-oriented 2km walk and bike events and the Hokonui Mountain Bike Club’s 12km Explorer category provided opportunities for a range of ages, abilities and fitness levels.