As of yesterday afternoon about 450 people had signed on to take part in the fifth annual Peak Trail Blazer which will spark into competitive and fun life on Sunday - although the organisers are expecting a last-minute rush for a starting spot.
Race director Jo Throp said about 700 people entered across all classes last year and was expecting that sort of number to front up again.
As well as the typical Kiwi "leave it to the last minute" approach, the dangling of a $500 winner's carrot for the quickest competitors on the day was likely to swell the numbers, she said, "and at this stage the weather forecast looks pretty good".
Recent good weather and the prospect of good weather on the day meant a good trail surface, and the prospect of someone breaking the 50-minute barrier for the 12.8km peak trail.
"A lot of people have been talking about that and I think, given the conditions, it could happen."