Yarragee’s Keith Hartmann, 68, was one runner close to finishing his preparations for the 8km run.

“I train at home around the paddocks and I ran five kilometres on Wednesday night trying to build up before next Sunday,” Hartmann said.

The retired Moruya High School teacher recorded three thirds in the 1980s and has not missed a run since its resurrection.

Last year he finished third in the men’s over 60s division and hoped he could do the same.

“I got a medal for coming third in the old man’s section and I’d love to repeat that,” he said.

Hartmann said he was a competitive runner but also enjoyed the social side of the run.

His passion for running began at school but he rediscovered it when he and group of students completed the City to Surf.

He’s now run in 10 City to Surfs and tries to train three to four times a week.

Hartmann acknowledged his legs were “slowing down” but it did not deter him from entering the event.

“You just have to accept your legs aren’t young anymore and you take it a lot easier,” he said.

“It’s a hard eight kilometres, there are lots of hills and it’s tough.

“I’ll be coming in at about 43 minutes, that’s my goal.”

Hartmann praised the organisers of the event for recreating the fun run.

“It’s fantastic it was resurrected and it’s great for the town,” he said.

“The surf club does a superb job and it’s great it raises money for them on a fun day.”