Julian’s Berry Farm and Cafe Toi’s Challenge organiser William Doney is confident the event will be a success again this year.

The 32nd edition of the race takes place on Sunday with 480 participants already confirmed and more expected to enter in the next three days.

It’s a popular event that attracts several out-of-town competitors each year.

This year there are entries from the United Kingdom, Singapore and Australia joining the participants from Wellington, New Plymouth, Napier, Gisborne and everywhere in between. As always, there are a good number of local entries.

He is stoked to see the event bringing new people to the region to compete.

Liam Dooley, the runner-up in 2023, looks the favourite of the confirmed entrants in the males division, while the female section is wide open, with none of the top five from last year registered to take part.

Last year’s winner was Daniel Jones and while he is unlikely to enter due to other commitments, Doney hopes Olympic silver medallist Hayden Wilde may take part.

“Hayden’s got the Olympic parade in Whakatāne a couple of days later so I am hoping he might sign up and race. It would give the event a bit of star power. It would be great to have him race again.”

This year’s course is the same as the previous couple of years with the washed-out Otarawairere and West End track yet to be reinstated.

Mr Doney said this was disappointing.

The alternative route requires greater traffic management, which adds to the cost and organisational work required.

“It’s definitely more challenging and is actually slightly longer. I have been trying to push the council to get the old track open, but there’s a lot of issues apparently.

“It is harder, but it’s all about people just finishing it. It’s not about winning the race.”

There are $8000 worth of spot prizes up for grabs this year and Doney is grateful to businesses for their support.

“Times are hard, so to see businesses still supporting the event is awesome. We’re super-grateful.”

There are 50-odd teams signed up to compete, which Doney said was up on last year.

“I am still having people ring me trying to enter so it’s looking great.”

The race will get under way at 8am.