The Kawerau King of the Mountain race will celebrate 60 years of what is considered Aotearoa's Toughest Mountain Race on October 31.

The Kawerau King of the Mountain is enriched with a 60 year history of intrepid mountain runners and has stamped itself in New Zealand as one of the must do ultimate challenges.

With the diamond jubilee taking place in 2015 the race organisers expect the race to reach maximum numbers before race day.

Maximum numbers in 2015 will be 200 competitors.

Every five years the Kawerau mountain race celebrates an anniversary year and this year's race will be another extremely special milestone.

Competitors can expect to receive exclusive 60th finisher's medals on completion of the race.

The organisers would like to announce that entries to the 60th Anniversary Race will open on Friday, May 1.

There will be a limit of 50 places available and conditions will apply.

The special rate will be available until August 31, unless all 50 places are taken before this date.

Entry Forms for the Kawerau Resident rate will be available to download at the official website or at the Kawerau District Council.

Two forms of identification will be required, the details of which are available at the official website.

This year's race could very well prove to be the largest field ever to challenge Putauaki and is likely to include some of the great legends of the event from the past 20 years or beyond.

Team Leader of events and community activities, Lee Barton says 'This year's race promises to be a mighty affair and having spoken to many people who have been involved in the race; it appears just about everyone seems to want to compete in this year's race.

'Potential competitors should definitely take that into consideration and get their entries in sooner rather than later.”

Race organiser Meagan Edhouse says 'This will be the year to challenge Putauaki.

'Kawerau Events have been enjoying plenty of positive publicity in recent years and as a result there has been an increase in participation in events such as the six hour adventure race, Tarawera Ultramarathon and white water sports, so the Kawerau King of the Mountain Race will be no exception. This will definitely be something amazing and with limited entries available it would be well worth securing your place.”

The organisers strongly recommend that potential mountain runners make full use of the Early Bird rate; it is also recommended any person living in the Kawerau District take full advantage of the Kawerau resident rate which will be offered in 2015.

The following key dates for entries in 2015:

Online/Manual entries - Early Bird rate closes August, 31

Online/Manual entries - Standard rate closes October, 28

Manual Entriesonly - Kawerau Resident rate closes August, 31

Manualonly- Late Entries on race day (if available) closes 11.30am, October 31 – race day.

Enter online via the official website www.kaweraukingofthemountain.co.nz

In 2015 a special Kawerau Resident rate will be available to competitors living in the Kawerau District.