More than 70 per cent of people competing in the first Air New Zealand Hawke's Bay International Marathon are from out of the region.

The event has sold out with almost 5000 people entered.

Along with the competitors, a further 7500 supporters are expected to descend on Napier for the race on May 14.

Air New Zealand chief sales and commercial officer Cam Wallace said 76 per cent of entries came from outside the region and 240 entrants were from overseas.

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The biggest portion of overseas runners come from Australia with 139 entered. There are also 25 from China and 13 from Hong Kong.

More than 1100 locals have entered the race and will be competing against 1400 Aucklanders, 1100 Wellingtonians and 300 people from Bay of Plenty.

There are 940 registered in the Air New Zealand Full Marathon, 2520 in the New Zealand Sotheby's International Realty Half Marathon, 1400 in the AIA 10km Run and 90 in the Kids 3km Run.