For two decades now thousands upon thousands of young and old runners and walkers have pounded the pavements of Whangamata.

This is set to continue this weekend with competitors and the curious alike descending on the coastal town for the return of the 2015 GJ Gardner Whangamata Run Walk Festival this Saturday.

Now into its 20th year, the annual family event raises funds for Whangamata community groups and is a permanent fixture on the town's calendar.

It's open to runners and walkers of all ages and abilities, and they'll be spoilt by spectacular views of the beaches and pristine bush-clad hills over three distances: half marathon, 10km and 5km.

While the emphasis is on safety and fun, race director Jan Findlay says last year they distributed a record $8,000 to community groups like St Johns Ambulance, Lions and Whangamata Area School.

'Each year we get a ton of positive feedback from participants about the calibre of the festival and the organisation,” she says. 'We get all sorts of runners and walkers who are not only looking to push themselves physically, but want to do so in a friendly atmosphere.

'The course is also pretty wheelchair friendly, it's essentially flat though, to add variety to the course, there are hills on the old Tairua Rd between the start and Harry Watt Dr heading north, but they're not unsurmountable by any stretch of the imagination.”

There are a ton of prizes and trophies up for grab this Saturday, including $500 for the first male and female in the open half marathon race, $300 in the masters half marathon, $200 in the 10km and $100 in the 5km.

Along with cash prizes, a number of fantastic spot prizes will be given away during the event including a $2000 House of Travel voucher and a Beach Cruiser bike from Pedal & Paddle, valued at more than $500.

Jan advises that online entries have now closed but late hardcopy entries will be accepted at the registration evening this Friday and on the morning of the event. A late entry fee of $10 will apply.

The registration evening will take place on at the Whangamata School Hall and on the morning of Saturday, September 12.

Adult entry costs for the festival (with late entry fees) are: $50 for the half marathon, $35 for the 25km and $20 for the 5km. Children can enter any of the three events for $10.

But Jan also advises that children under the age of 12 may only enter the 10km and 5km events.

The Half Marathon and 10km race starts 9am, while the 5km race starts 9:30am. The course will be closed at 12:30pm, with prize giving at 12.45pm.

'We've already received just a little over 900 entries so far and should the weather be beautiful and sunny we expect a further 300 or so people to enter on the day.

'I think for a lot of people, they simply get a buzz out of seeing other people having fun too.

'So if you are still thinking about participating in the festival, why not come down and get involved in making good things happen for yourself and others.”

The 2015 GJ Gardner Whangamata Run Walk Festival starts from Whangamata Area School on Port Rd this Saturday, with racing from 9am.

For more information and details on how to enter visit www.whangamatarunwalk.co.nz