More than 540 runners took part in the event on Sunday.
Race director Steve Tripp said this was "well up" on previous years.
"It’s quite a big jump, to be honest. Trail-running is a growing sport.
"It’s more about participation than competition, and meeting your own challenges, being healthy and experiencing a bit of nature in the process."
The traditional event covered 26km as competitors traversed through Flagstaff, Swampy Summit and Mt Cargill.
The 3 Peaks Plus 1 event is the longest course, and doubles as the New Zealand short ultra trail running championships.
Runners tackled a 55km route, which is an additional loop of the traditional race.
There was also a race over the summit which covers 11km.
Runners made for the summit of Mt Cargill and descended Bethune’s Gully to eventually finish at Chingford Park.
"Dunedin has an exceptional trail network.
"There’s nowhere else you can go 2km outside the town centre and do 50km of trail in wild native bush.
"You can run it in any condition. The trails had been the driest I’d ever seen them, but if you put 500-odd people on those trails they get kind of muddy, but most people actually enjoyed that," Mr Tripp said.
This was the 41st iteration of the event in some form.
"One of the great things about [yesterday’s] event was the gender split.
"In previous years, you might get a split of 65% male, 35% female — this time around it was closer to 55%-45%, so it seems to be becoming more equitable."
More than 100 volunteers assisted with it.
"They were awesome. There were some at the top of mountains where the wind chill factor made it feel like -5°C or colder.
"There’s always a lot of little things you can tweak, but overall I’m really satisfied," he said.
The event is organised by the Leith Harrier and Athletic Club.
President Chris Sole said the club had a dream of fostering a caring running community which encouraged adventure, bravery and challenge.
"Supporting one another, sharing the load, and easing burdens is critical to the dream.
"We believe diversity is a strength — variety brings longevity."
With the largest ever entry into the competition this time, he was overwhelmed with the perseverance and tenacity shown by "mud-covered" participants.
He also thanked the more than 100 people who volunteered, working as track clearers and marshals, on start and finish lines, aid stations and as family supporters.
