Competition director Dustan Hansen said all 75 entry tickets were sold online in just 37 minutes.

“It’s the most popular hang gliding competition in Australia,” he said.

The $130 ticket gets competitors a t-shirt, dinner and probably one of the best views in the country.

Pilots, as they’re called in hang gliding, flew to 8500 feet yesterday over Mount Elliot and across alpine country.

Mr Hansen, from Newcastle, said the Corryong Cup was popular because of its accessibility.

“It’s designed to inspire new, upcoming pilots in a low-stress, fun competition,” he said.

“You’ve got a mix of very good pilots and very new pilots.”

Winners are judged on how long it takes them to get to a landing point.

Beginners flew 16 kilometres from Mt Elliot while the experienced travelled 63 kilometres to Tintaldra, on to Walwa and back to Corryong.

Mr Hansen began hang gliding 29 years ago as a 13-year-old.

“It’s freedom, excitement and adrenaline; the view from up there is amazing,” he said.