About 100 athletes will tackle the eight-kilometre run along the Murray River with last year’s North East distance champion Caellum Crowe a likely starter.

Organiser Bill Pearce said the retirement of the steamer that inspired the name of the run no longer mattered.

“The boat added a bit of atmosphere but hasn’t really affected the runners,” he said.

“It’s a great run for this time of the year — no gut-busting hills and along a beautiful stretch of the river.

“It is a good early season hit-out for those following the fun run circuit or just a nice way to spend a Sunday morning with the family.

“It has become popular with elite runners but there are also people who just walk the course.

“Caellum Crowe has said he might start. The Congolese-born runner who won the Wangaratta half-marathon is a possibility, as is Wodonga’s ultra marathon runner Kevin Muller.”

The race, in its 23rd year, starts and finishes at Noreuil Park.

It started in the 1990s as part of the Festival of Sport before becoming the Cumberoona Run when runners raced the paddle steamer.

Entries will be taken up until 9.30am on race day.