The event, which is under new direction, has been reworked with participants and spectators in mind.
Organiser Campbell Ross said the event had experienced remarkable growth this year, attracting runners and walkers from across the local region and throughout New Zealand.
Mr Ross said the new course highlighted Timaru’s stunning coastline.
He said the event promised to be the most exciting edition yet.
"The coastal tracks we have in Timaru offer stunning scenery and are made perfectly for running.
"It is great to see the event grow and the amount of out-of-town entries coming to Timaru."
He was delivering the event on behalf of the South Island Masters Games Incorporated (a local not-for-profit organisation behind the South Island Masters Games that alternate between Blenheim and Timaru each year).
Campbell said part of this growth was due to the generous support of local and national businesses getting behind the event, including PrimePort Timaru, Saikou, Pure Nutrition, Musashi and Amerikiwi Media Co.
South Island Masters Games chairman Thomas Nation said it was an event the local community had got behind in providing volunteers, and also many local businesses both participating in the corporate challenge on the Friday and also getting on board as sponsors.
"It’s great to see the event go from strength to strength.
"We’re looking forward to seeing hundreds of people enjoy themselves over the Friday and Saturday."
Venture Timaru operations and destination manager Di Hay said running events were incredibly popular nationally at the moment.
"We’re thrilled Timaru has a fantastic, high calibre event, such as The Coastal, to attract people here.
"We’re keen to help The Coastal build to attract more locals plus out of region visitors, so they come spend some time here, see what Timaru has to offer, and of course enjoying running a stunning piece of coastline."
This year’s event would take place on October 10 and October 11, with record entries for the event.
Limited entries remained for the Saikou 5km Corporate Challenge (which will be held on the Friday), and for the 10km, PrimePort Half Marathon, and Kids Run (held on the Saturday).
To find out more information visit The Coastal Run website. — Allied Media
