Between five races on Saturday, 1264 entrants will run - meaning they will cover 37,000km in total.
The running disciplines include the 42.2km marathon, the 15km miners run, the 49km adventure run and the inaugural off-road triathlon.
Overall, the Motatapu has attracted 2104 competitors over the five events, including the 47km mountain-bike race.
Entries for the mountain-bike event sold out after organisers reduced bike entries by 300 to make the course more user friendly, Motatapu's Tracey Neil said.
"We traditionally get around 2000 and there is a percentage that don't show up on race day, so we are very happy and comfortable with numbers this year."
Miss Neil said the new off-road triathlon had 20 entries and would be a trial event.
If it is successful, the triathlon, which involves a 2km swim, a 47km mountain-bike leg and a 15km run, will be alternated with the adventure run from year to year.
"We're trialling it and will see how it goes. It's a tough course and definitely for the elite of the elite." Overall, entrants are 10% up on last year's Christchurch earthquake-affected Motatapu.
Event director Gemma Boyle said that while the 2010 event had a record number of bike entries, this year it has reeled in a record number of runners.
She said there had been strong growth in the miners run as well as the triathlon, which is a direct qualifier for the World Xterra Championships held in Hawaii in October.
"Individual spots for the triathlon sold out this year and we are expecting close and exciting racing." Big name entries Hamish Carter, Sarah Ulmer and Scott Molina had signed up for Saturday's event.
Finance Minister Bill English will be returning on the bike as one of the event's regulars.
After the race, participants will be entertained at the Butler St Green finish line in Arrowtown by Christchurch band Unfaithful Ways.
Organisers encourage competitors to arrive early, as the A and P show will be held in Wanaka on Friday and Saturday.
Times
• 6am Adventure run
• 8am Marathon run
• 9am Miners run (starts in Arrowtown)
• 9.45am Triathlon
• 11am-12pm Mountain bike
