THE mist-shrouded road to the top of Arthurs Seat on Sunday morning was the busiest it has been all year, despite being closed to traffic.

More than 1500 competitors ran or walked 6.7 kilometres to the summit in this year's Arthurs Seat Challenge, creating a sense of achievement for themselves and raising money for the Fit To Drive schools' road safety campaign.

Anthony Wallace was first to the top in 25 minutes 59 seconds. Karen Throp, 29:07, was the first woman across the line. Craig Appleby, 26:12, was second followed by David Bayley, 26:28.

The second and third fastest women were Sarah Klein, 29:58 and Sarah Lund, 31:45.

The largest school group section was won by Woodleigh School and the largest community group winner was Contours Rosebud.

Mornington Peninsula Shire Mayor Anne Shaw started the challenge from Rosebud after competitors' warm-up aerobics.

Timing 'chips' worn for the first time by every competitor allowed them to have an instant time recorded (times are available on the Sandstorm Events website).

Elise Latchford of major sponsor BlueScope Steel presented a $11,000 cheque to Fit To Drive chairman Noel Thomas. Volunteers helping out came from Frankston SES, the Rotary Club of Mt Martha, St John Ambulance and pupils and students from Mornington Peninsula and Frankston. Proceeds from the annual challenge help finance the Fit To Drive Program, which aims to teach learner drivers to be safer on the roads.