This weekend's Earthwise Kaimai Classic has been cancelled for good due to low entry numbers.

Initially scheduled this Sunday, the 2014 Earthwise Kaimai Classic is a 73km multisport adventure including short course and trail runs.

Competitors take part in the 2011 edition of the Kaimai Classic. Photo: John Roy.

In a statement released on the Kaimai Classic website, event organiser Luke Garea says organisers have made the difficult decision to cancel the event because entry numbers have not met even their minimum level milestones – even after this year launching a revamped format for wider participation.

'We share the disappointment that will be felt by those who are passionate about the event and have been training so hard for it,” says Luke, who confirms it is not likely the race will be rescheduled.

'If we were to continue staging the 2014 event a significant financial loss is the only outcome we can see.”

Race entries are down 51 per cent, with 233 entries in 2009 decreasing to 114 participants last year.

'The times have changed,” says Luke. 'Other types of events are now more exciting, are potentially less demanding gear wise and time wise – and these well-established multisport events are now simply less attractive.”

But Luke says it is not all grim for multisport events, with participants who have been training for the Kaimai Classic encouraged to partake in ‘The Nugget Multisport Festival Waihi'.

The event, on May 10, sees runners and walkers complete a 21km adventure run from the town centre, across the coast of Waihi Beach before returning to trails to the rim of Martha Mine. Shorter courses are available.

Luke wants to thank sponsors and supporters of the Kaimai Classic during the last few years, particularly Earthwise.

'We loved the event, we loved the different legs, we loved all of the landowners, we love McLaren Falls Park, [and] we love the people who love the event,” says Luke. 'Unfortunately the number who loved the event was just not enough.”

Full refunds will be made to all entrants next week.