THE third annual Mansfield Marathon takes a new look this year combining with the Mothers Day Classic on Sunday May 12 to help raise funds to fight cancer.

"We hope to have over 500 participants this year with the two events combining," said race organiser Liam Delany.

"Each run distance is an out-and-back course on the Great Victorian Rail Trail, with electronic timing this is a great opportunity for a personal best."

The event offers a two kilometre Mansfield Little Athletics run for the primary-aged children with trophies for the top three boys and girls in the U6, U8, U10 and U12 age groups.

Each participant also receives a medal.

The five kilometre event is sponsored by Mansfield Sportspower with some generous gift vouchers for the top three men and women to share.

"We really want to see all children give this a go to help inspire and motivate them to be more active," said Delany.

"This is a much faster course than the Mansfield Botanic Parkrun so also represents an especially good chance to get a personal best.

"The 10 kilometre event is sponsored by the Delatite Hotel with $700 prize money up for grabs, this is also a very fast course and a good opportunity to step up from the five kilometre Parkrun distance."

The half marathon 21.1 kilometre event is sponsored by Proactive Tax with $1200 prize money, which is expected to attract good runners from all around with the healthy prize money and fast course.

The full marathon 42.2 kilometre event is sponsored by Mansfield Constructions with $1800 prize money.

"Numbers are already looking strong, which is exciting to see that the Mansfield Marathon has a place in the running calendar," said Delany.

"It’s so great to see such strong local business support for this event.

"It’s also obvious to see that more people are running in Mansfield for the health and fitness benefits.

"Mansfield Athletics has regular weekly training for all ages and abilities so please get in touch to find out more.

"The Mansfield Marathon is an important event for the community for many reasons.

"If you can’t run or walk but still want to be a part of the event, please get in touch to help out on the day as it’s 100 per cent volunteer-run."

Entries are open via the event website www.mansfieldmarathon.com.au and any enquires can be directed to the event director Liam Delany at mansfieldathleticsclub@gmail.com