Race organiser Bill Pearce said the race signified the start of the local distance racing calendar.

“This easy run of just over 6km has proven popular over the years, as it showcases the riverside parks of Albury,” he said this week.

“It also traditionally heralds the start of the North East Distance Runner series, which includes local events such as the Nail Can and Fed Hill runs in April and August.

“This year will be the 19th year the Wodonga Athletic Club has organised this race, which began as The Festival River Run, a part of the inaugural Festival of Sport, in 1992.

“The course has had a few changes over the years and (the) development of pathways has improved the surface and made times marginally faster.”

Locals Adam Byles and Colleen Middleton currently hold the race records, with Byles setting a benchmark of 19:37 in 2008, and Middleton finishing in 23:05 last year.

Pearce said potential competitors should register before the race, to avoid the rush on race day.

“Entries are now being taken at any branch of Hume Building Society ... and the first 100 entries get a souvenir t-shirt,” he said.

“Anyone considering taking part should take advantage of this to avoid the rush on race day.”

The race starts and finishes at Noreuil Park from 10am.