A mechanical bull will be part of fun celebrations following the walk/run/cycle Country2Coast on Sunday.
The annual family event has a distance for all. Participants start at the Puketapu Pub (21.1km), Perfume Point in Napier (15km) and Grange Road Reserve in Haumoana (8km), all finishing at Farndon Park in Clive from where buses leave one hour before start times to the different start lines.
Dogs are welcome and can go on the bus. A 20km cycling event was added last year, a loop from Farndon Park around Gilbertson Rd and Brookfields Rd before returning to the park.
While all events will be timed there will be spot prizes only, except for the 21.1km Hillmac Electrical Half Marathon which is competitive event with a trophy for the fastest male and the fastest female.
Last year's Country2Coast proceeds of $7500 were distributed by the Havelock North Rotary Club to the Salvation Army's emergency response unit, the Anderson Park community group, the Hastings Giants boxing academy and Ronald McDonald House where Hawke's Bay families stay when sick children are in city hospitals.
It has not yet been decided which community organisations will receive funds this year.
At Farndon Park competitors, spectators and supporters will enjoy a "festival atmosphere" with music, entertainment and refreshments, event director Kevin Longman said.
Preparations for Sunday were coming along well, he said.
"We have consistently been about 750 to 800 for the last seven years so I am expecting the same this year."
One of the largest teams is from Hillmac Electrical, which is also a sponsor. "They are very enthusiastic and are putting in a mechanical bull in for everyone to have a play with and a piano that kids can play music on," Mr Longman said.
Hillmac managing director Mike Hill said sponsorship was a good way of supporting and engaging with the local community.
He is taking part in the 15km coastal walk from Napier.
"Part of our company ethos is to involve the team in the community and the events we do, so we encourage staff to take part," he said.
The company employs 18 but its Country2Coast team stands at 20 thanks to friends and family, with Hillmac paying associated costs.
Staff were "generally a fit bunch" thanks to the company picking up the cost of gym membership.
Last year's event was a great success, he said.
"Everyone enjoyed it and it gave us something to build on. We are always looking for ways to improve on what we do and get some more involvement.
"At the end of the day it's about more enjoyment."
Late registrations will be accepted on Saturday at the Havelock North Function Centre between 10am and 2pm. The cost is $30 for entrants aged over 13, $20 for children aged five to 12 and under-fives are free.