Among the buzz of runners warming up for their race, one man is set to shine.

After a long struggle with sickness, Scott Edgar's legs required amputation.

He will participate in Sunday's 12 km race using his wheelchair.

"This is my way of running," he said. "Obviously when you've got two knees as legs it's difficult running but this is my way to get out and run."

While his amputations were life-changing, Edgar said he was determined to make the most of it.

"I'm not letting it get me down," he said. "I was sick for 20 years and I couldn't do anything. Now I'm happy and healthy, I can do things; it's just about getting out there and trying to do life."

The Kurri Kurri man takes nothing for granted, especially not his fitness.

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He trains six days a week - five days in the gym and between 30 and 70km a week in his wheelchair.

"It's all weight training, you've got to be strong and it's a lot of endurance," he said. "I've had to learn to do long periods of time at the same rate rather than flat out."

And if Edgar's own determination was ever to fall short, he says he is always able to find encouragement in his two children.

"I like to make sure I tell my kids it doesn't matter what you go through, you can always have a better life if you try hard," he said.

"You have to believe in yourself. At the end of the day we all struggle with a lot of things and you will get through it. Just pick something you love to do and just do it. I've got to still try to be a positive influence in their lives and you can't do that by sitting at home winging about what you lost."

The resilient athlete is no stranger to endurance racing.

Over the past few years he has competed in a number of events and become friends with Paul Humphreys - organiser of Maitland River Run, among other endurance events.

"I would like to thank Paul from H Events, without him I can't do this. I try to do the track everyone else does and he lets me enter and compete.

"I also need to thank Kristen Hardcastle for her help support and for making all my [events] possible.

"Without her I can't do it.

"She is actually doing her own run this time for the first time ever.

"It's because we go and do pushes together that she has decided to do this herself.

"So, she's not only inspiring people with disabilities, but also inspiring able-bodied people."

The 10th Maitland River Run will be at The Levee on June 2.

Those looking to challenge themselves can choose between 4km, 8km, 12km, half marathon (21km) and a 1 mile sprint.

Everyone who finishes the event receives a medal.

For more information about the run, or to register, visit www.maitlandriverrun.net