The council allocated $17,500 to the Lake Macquarie Fernleigh 15 each year for three years (2014-16) under its revamped sponsorship program.

The new-look program, in its first year, had a $130,000 budget for the 2014/15 financial year.

All but $7690 has been handed out to community events and groups that demonstrated far-reaching social, cultural and economic benefits to Lake Macquarie.

Lake Macquarie Fernleigh 15 organiser Scott Westcott said the annual fun run from Adamstown to Belmont did just that.

"It's spreading the word about this fantastic asset we have [the track]," Mr Westcott said.

The event, now in its third year, drew 1300 people last year from the wider Hunter region, from Port Stephens to Muswellbrook to Foster-Tuncurry.

It also attracts a dedicated contingent of Gold Coast runners, which Mr Westcott believes helps to boost the local economy through their spending at local hotels and restaurants.

He said the council funding helped organisers "immensely".

"Every little bit counts towards putting on the event, from manning the drink stations to administration."

The council will not reveal the sponsorship program's 2015/16 budget.

Promotions co-ordinator Jasmyne McCabe said some events and groups had multiple-year funding agreements with the council, including the Lake Macquarie Fernleigh 15, the Lake Macquarie Running Festival, Hunter Track Classic, Music in the Podium and the Lake Macquarie Philharmonic Orchestra.

Lake Macquarie Fernleigh 15, $17,500

Music in the Podium, $15,000

Hunter Research Foundation, $12,500

Opera Hunter, $12,000

Lake Macquarie Classic Boatfest, $10,000

Lake Macquarie Running Festival, $10,000

Rathmines Catalina Festival, $10,000

Tantrum Youth Arts, $10,000

Hunter Academy of Sport, $7750

Bowls NSW, $5000

Hunter Track Classic, $5000

Lake Macquarie Philharmonic Orchestra, $5000

Swansea Springtime Festival, $5000

Science and Engineering Challenge, $2500

Star Struck 2015, $2500

Miracle Babies, $310

Variety Children’s Party, $250