About 300 runners turned out for the new event, aptly named because it feels like everyone is in recovery mode since lockdown.

The Recovery Run comprised 10-kilometre and 5km courses and race director Paul Humphreys, of H Events, said the feedback was "everyone was happy to be racing again".

"There were a mix of participants - some tidy runners in there but also families out and about, and people who had been just hanging out to do something," Mr Humphreys said.,

While Mr Humphreys felt the lower numbers were a reflection that there is still some hesitancy to moving back to full-blown events, expectations are that 2022 will be a busy one event-wise.

It could be music to the ears of many community members, who find entering a local event both motivation to train as well as a chance to challenge themselves.

"The consensus was that it was good to be back," Mr Humphreys said.

"There are pretty good numbers in NewRun already. And we haven't really promoted the new Stockton event but still have quite a bit of interest.

"The Maitland triathlete next month has the biggest field we've had and probably the highest calibre as well. There's a lot of professional athletes who have got nowhere to run at the moment."

It is encouraging signs for those keen to get racing again and could prove the push needed for others a little less competitive to get moving in 2022.

But, while there is temptation to wait until the new year rolls around to start anything new, now is the perfect time to take action where your health is concerned.

By getting moving now, you will hit the new year in better form and will feel as though you have a jump on 2022.

Event entry is a thought for the Christmas list, whether a gift on your own list for Santa or for a friend or family member.

The City of Newcastle Island Triathlon at Stockton joins the event calendar and will be held from February 4-6.

It starts with a 7km run on the Friday evening. On Saturday, there will be an aquathon, combining swimming and running. On Sunday will be the triathlon racing with a sprint (750-metre swim, 20km ride and 5km run) and standard (1500m swim, 40km ride, 10km run) distance on offer. Events can also be done in teams.

NewRun will be staged on April 3 next, providing plenty of time to prepare.

It features a range of courses to suit a range of abilities.

There is "fast and flat" Fort5, the hilly and challenging Hill2Harbour 10km, a hilly half marathon of 21.1km and a four-lap flat marathon (42.2km).

For those looking for some added adventure, the Max Adventure Race Series will hit the shores of Lake Macquarie on February 12 and 13.

Teams of two navigate their way through a surprise course with a mix of trail running, kyakking and mountain biking.

Renee Valentine is a journalist, qualified personal trainer and mother of three.