Race director Geoff Hunt said the event had attracted many first-time competitors, which indicated the "huge" word-of-mouth advertising for the mountain-biking event which started last year.
"By far the most entries so far have come from people who haven't done the race before, which is great.
"But those who did race last year should ensure they get their entries in as soon as possible, as entries close on March 28."
The inaugural event attracted 845 competitors who biked a track through Coneburn Station to Chard Farm, along the right bank of the Kawarau River.
"This is the only time the track is open for public access, and people raved about the scenery and the surrounding landscape.
"It is certainly very different and we are very fortunate that landowner Steve Laing is prepared to open it up.
"We are also indebted to landowner Mike Mee for allowing us access through his private property," Mr Hunt said.
The event would begin at Millbrook Resort, with cyclists heading down the avenue of trees behind a pace car before riding through the western end of the resort to the Wakatipu Trails Trust track, which leads to Speargrass Flat Rd and on to Slopehill Rd.
The route then takes competitors on to Lower Shotover Rd and on to a scenic single track beside the Shotover River before crossing the restored Lower Shotover Bridge.
The course then follows a gravel road and 4WD track to the Shotover delta, before joining the Kawarau River track and crossing the Kawarau River bridge at the outflow point of Lake Wakatipu.
A 1km highway section will lead riders to the private Kawarau River road on Coneburn Station, leading to the finish line at Chard Farm.
Mr Hunt said the ride was geared for both experienced and recreational riders and designed to suit all levels.
The recreational course was 36km from Millbrook to Chard Farm, while the elite and sport entrants took on a 45km challenge, which included a loop of the Lake Hayes track.
Age-group categories included open, veteran, and master along with junior and master-plus sections.
Last year's elite winner, Mark Williams, of Queenstown, won the event in 1hr 36min 21sec and predicted the event would become huge in the future.
Mr Hunt said parts of the track were being upgraded especially to allow for passing on some narrow sections.
"Overall, though, the course is in very good shape.
"Volunteers from various clubs and sports groups, including Queenstown year 10 netballers, will act as marshalls and raise funds for their organisations.
"We are also again donating $5 from each entry to Cure Kids, and some proceeds from liquor sales at Chard Farm will go towards the Wakatipu Trails Trust," Mr Hunt said.
