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."
Two young local runners set to take part are certainly looking at it.
Kristian Day and Lucas Duross are good mates who have run previous trail blazers with 19-year-old Mr Duross beating his mate over the line last year.
Their good-natured competition was summed up by Mr Duross who said "the faster he is the faster I am".
"They are always egging each other on," Ms Throp said.
"It would be great if one of them was able to break the mark."
They will have to get the better of last year's Quarter Acre Wines King of the Peak winner Ross McIntyre though - and he posted a time of 51m 59s last year and is returning to retain the men's title.
"But we will be looking for a new Queen of the Peak though."
Last year's winner Emma Yule was unable to take part due to injury.
The event, which is a fundraiser for Havelock North Primary School as well as the Te Mata Peak Trust, starts at 8am (for walkers) and 9am for runners.
The start and finish line is at the school, while the shorter 3.5km Tainui Trail gets under way from Tainui Reserve at 10am.
Online registrations via the website peaktrailblazer.co.nz close at 5pm today, although people can still register from 1pm to 3pm at the school hall tomorrow or at least 30 minutes before the start of the events.