Participants are racing to join the 34th MCL Construction Triple Peaks challenge.
"We had people sign up before we announced that entries were open, so that's a good sign," event co-organiser Steve Nicholls said.
Last summer's race involved more than 700 participants walking, running or biking a 55km stretch of private land through Mt Erin, Mt Kahuranaki and Te Mata Peak.
Nicholls hopes unexpected restrictions over the summer won't affect the number of participants lining up on February 26 next year.
"More than a third of the field come from outside the Hawke's Bay region so there is a concern that could affect some competitors," he said.