In a galaxy not so far away, but right here in Tauranga, runners from all walks of life are gathering early this evening at Mount Maunganui, drawn by the force of their passion for running, and perhaps for some, a love for Star Wars on this particular day, May the fourth.

'We Run the Night', which starts at 6pm, is not your normal running event. The organisers say it's like nothing you've ever experienced. 

"​Put on your bright colours​ and run the night," say the organisers, who encourage runners to dress up.

"Everything good begins with a hello."

As the sun sets on this nippy autumn day, the atmosphere is charged with anticipation as participants prepare to embark on their chosen path - whether it be the challenging 21km, the spirited 10km,or the brisk 5km race.

We Run the Night start line and headquarters is at Mount Drury next to Marine Parade. Photo: Supplied.

With the range of course options, there's something for everyone.

The 5km Run/Walk involves one lap of the course along Marine Parade, and is open to all ages, but under 10 year olds should be accompanied by an adult, who will be responsible for them on the event course. 

The 10km Run/Walk is two laps, for anyone 10 years and older, while the 21km course is for runners only, aged over 16 years and involves four laps of the course.

The registration pick up and event headquarters is located at Mount Drury opposite Mount Main Beach with the course going from there along Marine Parade to Clyde Street and back.

Participants from a previous year. Photo: Supplied.

Just like Jedi knights readying for battle, these runners are fueled by determination, camaraderie, and the shared thrill of conquering the night.

"It's really lovely," says Alex Harper who is this year participating in the event for his third time, and his friends for the first time.

"All the locals line up on the balcony and toast as you go past."

Alex and his friends have decided, in honour of May 4, to dress to the Star Wars theme, and ask spectators to yell out "may the fourth be with you" as they run, chug, or walk by.

Participants checking in at the start. Photo: Supplied.

They reported back to SunLive from Mount Drury as people arrived to check in.

"It starts at 6pm. A guy is taking us through the logistics, there's music playing, and food.

"The race announcement is that we're lining up at 5.50pm, then going to start "launching out of the start line like a big pile of fleshy rockets".

"There are 1000 people here."

People gathering this evening for the start of We Run the Night. Photo: Supplied.

They say there are people at the event who ran in a marathon in Rotorua this morning.

"And came to do this one tonight as well."

For more information on We Run the Night and the course map, go to www.werunthenight.co.nz/course-maps.html or the Facebook page www.facebook.com/WRTNrunningfestival