Water will again feature in the Twizel Hard Labour weekend treble of multisport events as kayaking returns for the first time since 2009.
More than 700 will compete in the three events on October 25 and 26.
This year, they will kayak, mountain bike and run through some of the spectacular high country the region has to offer.
The event has raised more than $60,000 over the past three years.
Last year, $20,000 was distributed to four organisations.
Committee member Steven Skinner, who started the event, said organisers were delighted to bring back kayaking to the weekend.
The three events are over two days, allowing the Monday of Labour Weekend as a spare day in case of bad weather.
After kayaking finished, the event became two runs and a mountain bike.
Now, it was expected to become an even better drawcard for kayakers and multisporters, he said.
The event starts on Saturday with the 40km Dusky Trail mountain bike, mostly on four-wheel drive trails over the Pyramid Saddle, starting and ending on Ben Ohau Station.
Sunday will begin with the kayak race on a 20km course starting with a loop around Lake Ruataniwha then down the Ohau canal, with portage around the power stations, to end in Lake Benmore.
The 19km Pyramid Run starts after the kayaking, again going over the Pyramid Saddle.
Family events include the Mini Dusky and Mini Pyramid children's races.