Melbourne Marathon winner Virginia Moloney is expected to line up in the 10-kilometre women’s race.

The Garvoc export has claimed the past two titles at her home-town race.

Three-time men’s winner, Dunkeld-raised Brenton Rowe, is a chance to return to the field.

The Geelong-based Rowe missed the 2016 race after winning the previous three.

Reigning men’s champion Jesse Dalton is also expected to compete and tackle the tough Hickford Parade incline.

Warrnambool talent Tom Hynes, who finished second earlier this year, is among the south-west’s leading contenders in the feature race.

The 10km winner will be presented with the Tracy Wilson Medal, which was struck in the Bendigo man’s honour last year.

Wilson, a long-time visitor to Warrnambool and committed Surf ‘T’ Surf runner, passed away from cancer in April.

Race director Steve Aberline is hoping up to 1600 people contest the 10km and 6km runs and 6km walk at Lake Pertobe on January 8.

The popular 3km Lake of the Lake circuit, which has proven a hit with young families and those who prefer shorter distances, will also feature.

The fun run attracted 1400 participants last year.

“It has been (down slightly) the last couple of years because it’s a week later because the first (Sunday) is too close to New Year’s,” Aberline said.

“We’ll have a lot of last-minute entrants as well.”

Aberline, in his third year in charge, said the community-focused event stretched beyond the running track.

He said massage and photo opportunities would be available.

“There are fresh markets on that day, so there should be a fair bit happening at the beach,” he said.

“The main thing is to get as many people numbers as we can. Even if they’re not there to run, but just to be down there as part of the day.”