A total of 12 local runners have entered in the event, with 10 doing the full marathon and two competing in the half-marathon on July 2.

Among them are Kevin and Debbie Jones, Chris and Steve Wilson, Mike and Nadia Mellor, Steve Peirce, Elaine Heiner, Wendy Bassett and Maddie Reid, with Steph Eagle and Zac Jones in the half event.

Debbie competed on the Gold Coast last year and the Mellor’s have done five marathons previously, but the other seven are embarking on their first ever marathon.

“Debbie was the catalyst to get more going,” Nadia said.

“We’ve been averaging about 50 kilometres a week for the last six months.

“We’ve done the Bright half-marathon, the Mount Beauty half-marathon and lots of running on the rail trail between Wodonga and Tallangatta.

“We’ve been out in sub-zero temperatures, so it will be great to get into the wonderful, warm sunshine.”