For event organiser Paul Humphreys, what's not to like?
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"It's one of the few street mile races anywhere in Australia," he said.
"It is a unique format, down through the Levee and back along the top river walk - and somehow it always seems to produce a close finish."
Mr Humphreys was referring to Sunday's Maitland River Run which is celebrating its 10th birthday this weekend.
The River Run is actually a combination of five races - a half marathon, 12 kilometre (3 laps of 4 kilometres), 8 kilometres (2 laps of 4 kilometres), 4 kilometres (1 lap) and the Maitland Mile.
The first race will be the half marathon (7am start), followed by the 12 kilometre race (9am), 8 kilometre race (10.15am), 4 kilometre race (11am) and the Maitland Mile (11.45am).
"At this stage we have just over 500 runners registered," Mr Humphreys said.
But we always have a lot of people who turn up and register on the day, so I think we can confidently expect 600 or more
- Paul Humphreys
"But we always have a lot of people who turn up and register on the day, so I think we can confidently expect 600 or more."
While it is still a very strong number it is a drop from a few years back when 800 runners would compete.
"I think that is not an indication of this race, but just that there are so many more events for runners to choose from these days," he said.
"Certainly the street nature and the beauty of the runs make this a favourite event for many athletes.
"The half marathan around Maitland Park, for example ... it's a very flat course but it's a lovely venue for running."
The main course is four kilometres long, and includes parts of the The Levee, Cathedral Street, and the river bank foreshore.
Runners in the multi-lap courses traditionally experience huge encouragement as they re-enter the start line and finally to the finish area to the cheers of the large crowd.
With the start and finish both in the The Levee, it allows easy access for runners, spectators and shoppers to the area. The finish line will be in front of the Riverlink building, which links High Street to the river.
The half marathon course will peel off the main four kilometre 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.
See more: Photos from Maitland River Run 2018
Scott Alders who was second in the half marathon will race again and is the local favourite.
The biggest field of runners will be in the eight kilometre race.
On Wednesday the Mercury wrote about double amputee Scott Edgar who will compete in the 12 kilometre event in his wheelchair.
"You have to believe in yourself," he said. "Just pick something you love to do and just do it."
The Mile event will also see the Olbrich family - Mitchell, Emalee, Thomas and Chelsea - from Rouse Hill back for another attempt.
Locals should be aware there will be road closures.
