The 39th Kelly's Canter will be held in Palmerston on Sunday, marking the 70th anniversary of Constable Bert Kelly's first run up Puketapu, the hill overlooking the town.
This year for the first time, prizes of $300 are being offered to the first male and female home in the event.
The prize-money has been donated by new Palmerston business Good Keen Kiwi books, owned by Jim and Beth Moffat. The first local runner home will get a $50 De Rail Cafe voucher.
Const Kelly, running in police uniform trousers and boots, achieved some remarkable times up and down the 343m-high hill during World War 2.
Just after the war, a group of bricklayers working on a building in Palmerston challenged Const Kelly to a race up Puketapu. A crate of beer was to be the prize.
However, the bricklayers timed the constable on one of his practice runs and promptly withdrew their challenge.
A Paddy's market will also be held in the Palmerston town centre on Sunday.
