Chasing an 11th victory, Echuca-based Threlfall had to work extremely hard to beat rising star and Harriers' club-mate Harrison Boyd in the 3km showdown.

Threlfall's strength in the quads and mind was to the fore in the last 300-metres of the gruelling climb in Spring Gully.

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Threlfall first raced with Harriers when he was 15 and the 34-year-old responded to the fierce challenge from Boyd and Michael Preece, who was racing on invitation basis, to take victory in 9.33.

Another of Harriers' long-time and most consistent athletes, Anne Buckley earned the Queen of the Mountain title for the 18th time.

Fastest of the females was Meredith Cook, racing on invitation basis in 13.09 to be seventh across the line.

Second and third on handicap were Rick Ermel and Rossi Evans.

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It was Threlfall's first hit-out since the Launceston 10km held on the Queen's Birthday holiday weekend.

"Racing at One Tree Hill is always tough, but this year I had to work incredibly hard for the win," Threlfall said.

"Halfway up the final climb it looked like chances of winning were just about gone," he said of being overtaken by Boyd.

"Harrison and Michael (Preece) both ran incredibly well. I knew the pace would be on from the start and it was."

Threlfall's knowledge of a climb he has done many times played a big part in being able to reel in Boyd and then surge clear in the dash to the line.

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A talented field included previous winners Ben Fahy and Paul Boxshall racing on invitation basis.

"The climb at One Tree Hill is a great test for the legs," Threlfall said.

"A couple of years ago it was a great battle with Cody Williamson and Leon Keely for the win."

Among those watching were Threlfall's parents Ron and Jo, and his two-year-old son, Hudson.

Wife Carley is expecting the couple's second baby in December.

"It's going to be a hectic couple of months on the home front, as well as training and racing," said the talented athlete as he prepares to contest the Melbourne Marathon for a second time on December 12.

Threlfall and training partners Archie Reid and Nathan Stoate are putting in plenty of kilometres to prepare their legs for the festival.

Sunday's festivities for Bendigo Harriers which is celebrating its 100th birthday in 2022 included life membership being awarded to Victor Cook.

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