THERE was mud, sweat and cheers as Winter Warrior 2019 was run and won at Lake Keepit today, about 100 teenage students from across the state taking part.
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It took the winning team three hours and 11 minutes to cross the finish line after several gruelling challenges and obstacles.
Lake Keepit Sport & Recreation centre manager Heath Roods said "a great day" was topped off by a well-earned barbecue lunch.
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The competitors travelled from as far as Sydney, Trangie and Woolgoologa, but Mr Roods said no local schools had taken part, unfortunately.
"It might be due to a local perception that Lake Keepit has run dry," he said.
"In town, every time I tell people where I work, they want to tell me that we've closed down."
Mr Roods said both were far from true - in fact, Winter Warrior had included a kayaking leg for the first time.
Another new addition this year was a golfing challenge, in which contestants had to try and hit their ball closest to the marker.
The first-past-the-post 15km endurance race also included a 5km bush run, 2km log-and-tyre carry, and an obstacle course with dozens of mud pits.
"Crawling through the mud seemed to be their favourite part, and kayaking on the river; they liked that because it felt like an Iron Man race," Mr Roods said.
Woologoolga High School took out the boys' and mixed section; Burwood Girls High School won the girls' race and the fancy dress competition.
The next big event on the Sport & Recreation calendar is Keepit Commando, usually held the weekend after Winter Warrior.
This year, however, it will be held in warmer weather - on October 13.