Organisers are putting the final touches on preparations for the annual event, which will be held in Maitland CBD on Sunday.

Runners will have the option of taking on three laps of the course (12km starting at 9am), two laps (8km starting at 10.15am) and one circuit (4km at 11am) before the Maitland Mile begins at 12.15pm. River Run organiser Paul Humphreys said there were more early entries in the event than this time last year and runners could register to participate on Sunday morning.

“I think the penny is dropping with people that they need to get fit,” he said when asked about the rising popularity of community running events. Running is the easiest way. With running, normally you just need a pair of shoes and off you go.

“They look for a goal and it helps them get out of bed on a cold morning because they know they’ve got a race [to train for].”

Visit maitlandriverrun.net for entry fees.

Check out photos of last year’s event here.