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.