TWISTED faces of pain were yesterday the source of entertainment in Launceston's Balfour Street, as friends, families and passers-by cheered competitors in their bid for burning muscles.
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Healthy online registrations, topping at 400 before the day, were supported by a flood of more than 200 on-the-day registrations for the inaugural Balfour Burn.
An astonishing performance from Launceston's Jonty Barnett was witnessed as he tore up the street with twins in a double-pram and his daughter Emma on his back.
Although Mr Barnett may have a new title to defend after winning the pram division event, he said his efforts were on behalf of St Giles.
"I suppose more for my daughter Emma, St Giles has been really instrumental in her development over the last two or three years," he said.
"I was lucky enough to come through first, I thought I might be pipped at the post but managed to find a little bit to get over the line."
Mr Barnett said he could see the challenge going from "strength to strength" and thanked his supporters for his fund-raising efforts.
St Giles chief executive officer Ian Wright said he'd like to see $20,000 raised through the Balfour Burn.
Mr Wright said there was scope to incorporate a Charles Street festival into the challenge for future years and cited the success of Festivale, which was borne from similar roots.
Elite cycling and running events were included for the challenge, as well as a pet climb, wheelchair race and varying age categories.