MELBOURNE athlete Deanna Blegg overcame treacherous conditions and the arduous 89km cycle, paddle and run to take out her second consecutive Upper Murray Challenge.

A record 150 men and women competitors took to the circuit this year, making their way around the picturesque but unforgiving circuit.

Blegg, 39, bettered her winning time of last year and said she hopes to come back next time.

“It’s such a beautiful environment and an enjoyable event,” Blegg said.

“Local community is what it’s all about and what makes it so great; they’re volunteers on top of every single hill.

“I came into it as an unknown last year but I had a bit more pressure on me this year because they gave me the No.1 bib.

“But I enjoyed this year’s a bit more; it was great to have flow in the river.”

Turrumurra man Kris Plain took out the men’s competition in his first year.

Race director Peter Dikschei said the event was going from strength to strength.

“The first three place-getters in the men and women were first-time competitors, so it’s good to see word’s getting out,” Dikschei said.

“This year the river was ideal — there were a few stacks on the mountain bike trails — but overall it was a really successful day.

“(It’s all about) getting people up here so they can see what a beautiful place it is and hopefully come back.”