Last year just under 600 runners braved the rain and took up the challenge of participating in the four event adult program of a 42.2km marathon, a 21.1km half marathon, a 10km run and a 5km run, along with the junior events from 300m to 2000m (for five to 13 years).

This year will see a new course developed to keep the runners off the main roads, using footpaths and walkways around South West Rocks from the Gaol to Horseshoe Bay and around the Back Creek area, using three laps of a 14km loop for the marathon.

The half marathon will involve two laps of a 10.5km loop, while the 10km run will use two laps of a 5km loop.

No competitor will be more than 7km from the start, making back-up and drinks stations safer and more efficient to maintain, and great for spectators with multiple sightings of the athletes.

The original course 37 years ago ran from Kempsey to the Gaol, a distance of 42.2km. This was later changed to start from the Gaol and run the 21.1km to the Hat Head turnoff along the South West Rocks Road. This was logistically difficult to service the runners and maintain safety on the road, so the upshot is this new course.

Early entries from last week were just over the 200 mark. Late entries will be taken on Saturday at the Gaol from 2-4pm. Entry into the children’s races can be done on the Sunday.

The marathon will start at 7am, followed by the 10km run at 7.30am, the half marathon at 7.45am and the 5km run at 7.50am.

Last year Matty Abel from North Manly won the marathon.