"I prefer off-road. It's much nicer because you have got something to think about and you have to watch where you are going."
She said running on undulating tracks was easier on your legs as well, with different muscles being used all the time.
"Road running is just pounding the same muscles every time."
She said it would be great to win on Sunday as she builds towards the marathon on May 3.
Crowley said she would be running alongside a lot of her Lake City Athletic Club friends and wanted to run well.
"It will make it a better build-up to the marathon if I can do well, it will give me bit of confidence."
Her main opposition will come in the form of Tauranga runner Judith May who placed fourth last year.
There will be a noted absence from 2013 winner Sarah Biss who is now based in Australia.
Meanwhile, Rotorua's Matt Parsonage is the most likely to take out the men's race on Sunday. Triathlete Parsonage has had a successful season winning the Rotorua Half Ironman in December and placing third in the New Plymouth Half Ironman in February.
He will be challenged by last year's second place getter Nick Johnston of Auckland and fourth place getter and local runner Tony Broadhead.
Racing on Sunday begins at Waipa carpark, with the half marathon starting at 10am.
This year marks the 29th edition of the Copthorne Rotorua Off-Road Half Marathon.
Shorter-distance events include the New Balance Quarter Marathon, Tasti 5km Fun Run/Walk and the Lance Lawson Little Devils Kids Race.
There are a huge range of spot prizes to be won.
On the day entries will be accepted at registration on Sunday morning at Waipa Recreation Area from 7.30am.
For more information go to www.eventpromotions.co.nz.
