Local businesses were invited by the Year 12 cohort to sponsor a team in the Business House Relay at the carnival.

The relay raised over $2,000 which will go toward fundraising for the Mudgee Hospital.

It was a nail-biting race but in the end the Wilpinjong Mine - Peabody team took home the win.

They narrowly defeated the reigning champions Mudgee Police by less than a second with a time of just 2:16.

Kieren Bennetts, from the Wilpinjong Mine - Peabody team said he hopes to return next year to defend the title.

"We were thrilled that individually we were all able to complete a 50m swim. And to touch the wall first was a bonus but, to be honest, the real winner on the day was Mudgee High and the Mudgee Hospital, it's just so good to be a part of something that helps to improve healthcare for the people that live in and around Mudgee," he said.

"I suppose the pressure is on now to see if we can back up next year because we know the Police team will probably want their crown back."

Fifteen businesses were nominated to participated, they were: Anytime Fitness, Blooms the Chemist, Cudgegong Plumbing, Fam Connect, Kelly's Irish Pub, Mudgee Bakery & Café, McDonald's Mudgee, Mudgee Newsagency, Mudgee Police, Rotary Club of Mudgee Sunrise, Roth's Wine Bar, Stride Health, Wild Willow Timber Designs and Wilpinjong Mine - Peabody.

Mudgee High's Year 12 cohort has stated they plan to run a similar fundraiser at the school's athletics carnival on Friday May 21.

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