The move from late January to early May has proved popular with runners, walkers and mountain bikers in tomorrow's Peninsula Challenge.
Early yesterday, 530 entries had been received across all categories, and organisers expected that number to increase to 550-600 with the inclusion of late entries.
The mountain bike sections have attracted strong fields, particularly in the long-course 43km event in which international Alex McGregor is favoured, along with Tristan Rowlence and Central Otago's Shaun Portegys.
There is interest in the long-course open women's field, with Anja McDonald, Mary Gray, Harriet Miller and Melissa Newall expected to feature.
A feature of the bike section this year is the inclusion of cyclocross, in which Wanaka's Gavin Mason is likely to shine.
The long-course run section could be wide open and competition could heat up with late entries. But Otago triathlon champion Geoff Williamson will certainly feature, along with Neale McLanachan. McLanachan has a top placing of fifth and a time of 1hr 42min 49sec on the course three years ago, and Williams a fourth in 2009 in 1hr 41min 51sec.
There should be a battle for the open women's title in the long-course run, as three-time champion and record holder Louisa Andrew returns to defend her title. Otago marathon champion Mel Aitken would have learned much from last year when she finished third.
Added to the mix is the inclusion of former international triathlete Sarah Bryant, who from her recent successes in half-ironman and multisport challenges could be the one to watch.
Start times: Long walk (16km), from Allan's Beach, 9am; long run (23km), Allan's Beach, 10am; short walk and short run (both 9km), Okia Reserve, 11am; long mountain bike (43km), Smaills Beach, 10am; short mountain bike (23km), Allans Beach, 10.30am.
