Organiser Ray Wallis is refusing to predict the size of the field for the annual Anzac Day road races which get under way at the Dalefield Hall today.
Wallis has been pleased with the number of entries received over the past week or so but with history indicating that many athletes leave it to the last minute to make a decision, he isn't prepared to pick a likely number.
"A lot could depend on the weather, if it's fine you definitely get more, especially from outside the local region," he said.
The under-12 and under-14 races over 2km will start at 1pm, with the under-16s and under-18s covering a 5km course and starting at 1.30pm, the same time as the fun-run walk (5km) and open walk (10km). The 10km open race will start at 2.20pm.
Last year's winner, noted triathlete Gavin Champion of Masterton, has already signified he will be back to defend his open title and his main opposition could come from a relative newcomer to the Ruamahanga Ramblers in Damien Christofis. The gritty John Ihaka is likely to be the open walk favourite.
At the top end of the age scale in the run could be Rob Ruffe-Thomas of Bush, who is 73, while the elder statesman in the walk will be 83-year-old Peter Tearle.
Meanwhile, the Ruamahanga Ramblers held a cross-country event on a testing but interesting course at Parkvale last Saturday.
Tom Parker scampered over the terrain to be a clear winner in the 2km race over Jack Britland, John Ihaka was a cut above the others in the 4km walk and there was a decent battle between Christofis, Champion and the steadily improving Barry Joslin in the 5.4km run.
The Ramblers will compete in a cross-country race at Morsion's farm at the top of the Hinau Valley road on Saturday although there will be a road option for those preferring a flatter course.
Cross country results, in order of finish time and handicap time:
1km: Tessa Champion 8.15, 8.15.
2km: Tom Parker 9.33, 9.19; Jack Britland 10.41, 9.36; William Tanner 10.54, 10.24; George Tanner 11.00, 10.25; Lucas Megaw 11.18, 8.08; Jessica Duthie 11.57, 9.42; Tony Craig 12.20, 11.50; Jessica Parker 12.47, 10.32; Jessica Craig 13.45, 10.45; Lucy Britland 13.46, 9.41; Grace Tanner 13.48, 9.38.
4km walk: John Ihaka 32.59, 13.54; Lisa Gray 41.59, 19.59; Julia Parker 41.59, 19.59.
5.4km: Damien Christofis 24.16, 24.16; Gavin Champion 24.26, 24.26; Barry Joslin 25.28, 23.33; Paul Furkert 27.28, 26.53; Michael Duthie 27.58, 24.13; Matthew Furkert 29.35, 25.00; Craig Bird 29.44, 26.34; Rupert Watson 30.19, 25.24; Ben Bailey 30.55, 26.00; Steve Britland 32.24, 28.24; Nick Bailey 33.57, 30.27; Martin Parker 33.58, 29.03; Chris Megaw 33.59, 29.04; Ray Wallis 35.31, 24.31; Katie Craig 36.59, 27.39; Michael Scott 37.30, 28.45; Lee Tanner 37.54, 25.54; Robyn Weston (walker) 60.51, 31.41.