Half of the entries for this year’s festival – which will take place on Sunday, July 24 – are from Sydney and beyond, with runners coming from Hong Kong, Canada, US, New Zealand and France.

The event is one of Australia’s biggest regional running festivals, and expects to attract close to 2000 participants and over 4000 spectators.

Local event director, Paul Humphreys of H Events, puts the event’s success down to the interesting and picturesque course, which meanders through or past some of the region’s most famous vineyards and resorts.

“We have a great host venue and with the start and finish lines just 100 metres apart, it makes spectating easy,” Humphreys said.

“With a multitude of things to do before and after the races, the event gives people the opportunity to get active and participate in a fun, but professionally staged recreational running event in beautiful wine country.”

With six running and walking events on offer, the event caters for both novice and serious participants.

Races on offer include the Kids Marathon or Storybook2k (Kids Marathon is the culmination of an eight-week program where children commit to running 40 kilometres and then complete the last two kilometres on the marathon course on race day); the 5.2km Wander run/walk; the 10.3km Vineyard Run; the 21.1km Winery Half-Marathon; the 42.2km Winery Marathon and the 52.5km Winery Ultra Marathon.

“The event offers a carnival atmosphere with sport/health and local produce exhibitors and live entertainment,” Humphreys said.

“The day will be a celebration of the healthy lifestyle on offer in one of Australia's most picturesque tourism areas.”

Official charity, Transplant Australia will also be using the event to promote the ‘Donate Life’ theme which promotes organ donation and raises funds for its vital work.

Event information and entries are available online at www.hevents.com.au.