Previously held at Hunter Valley Gardens, the event will be held this Sunday and is expected to attract close to 2000 participants and over 4000 spectators.

The festival offers five events, including a kid’s marathon at 2km. The other four events will begin at 6km and extend to 10km, 21.2km and 42.2km, using Deasys Road.

“It really is a very beautiful vista around Pokolbin/Rothbury. So many great wineries and accommodation venues. The runners will love it,” festival organiser Paul Humphreys said.

The Vintage Golf Resort and Spa general manager Joe Spagnolo is looking forward to welcoming the respected health and fitness event to the venue and hopes to “continue the great tradition of co-operation in staging events in the Hunter Valley”.

The Vintage will also hold a dinner for the athletes on Saturday evening, when Rio Olympic marathon runner, Scott Westcott, will feature as the guest speaker.

At 40 years of age, Westcott was the oldest-ever Australian marathon runner selected for an Olympics and he will offer the athletes some tips for the event.

Humphreys said H Events, which is managing the festival, is committed to raising awareness around the importance of health and wellbeing and encourages all fitness standards to get involved in the festival.

The Winery Running Festival began in 2006 and has grown in popularity to become one of the biggest regional running events in Australia, with athletes coming from as far as China, Hong Kong, Canada, US, New Zealand and France to take part.

This year's official charity is Variety The Children's Charity.

Visit wineryrun.com for more information.