The 21.1 kilometre distance will be featured for the first time at this year’s event with 4km, 8km and 12km runs also scheduled along with the time-honoured Maitland Mile.

Event organiser Paul Humphreys, from H Events, said there had been numerous inquiries by prospective runners in the half-marathon.

“It’s a popular running distance and it looks like we will have a strong field full of quality runners,” Humphreys said as preparations ramp up for the annual event on June 3.

H Events this week announced a new naming rights partner for the event with River, formally Hunter River Reality Group, coming on board.

“We had been looking around for a positive, community based event to support, which encourages active healthy lifestyles in Maitland,” River managing partner Chris Henry said.

“The River Run, was an obvious fit for more than the most obvious reasons. Yes, the name makes sense, but we really like the concept of getting families into the city and celebrating the river foreshore and new Levee precinct. This event does that extremely well.” 

A contingent from the company will be taking part in the run.

Humphreys said more than 800 runners from the Hunter and statewide areas will hit the pavement and river banks of Maitland. 

“There is no shortage of runners and  walkers, looking to improve their time on the picturesque course. A lot will step up for the half-marathon and others will compete for the first time because of the addition of the distance,” he said.

“Local and Sydney based mid distance runners will also be lining up for the feature race the  Maitland Mile (1609m) through the Levee and along the top river walk of Maitland.”

The main course will be 4km long and includes the parts of  the Levee, Cathedral St, and river bank foreshore. 

The new half marathon course will peel off the main 4km lap and head down Lee Street to access Maitland Park. This will make the loop 10.55km, which will make the 21.1km a two-lap course.

Local charities will benefit from the event, with runners encouraged to fundraise for their favourite charity.

For more information on Maitland River Run, or to register, visit www.maitlandriverrun.com.au