Michelle Barnes hopes to finish the Newcastle Permanent Lake Macquarie Running Festival's half marathon under one hour and 34 minutes.

"I want the sun shining but a bit cool with not too much wind - perfect race conditions of 16 degrees," she said.

She only needs one half marathon race time under 1:34:00 to qualify for the world's biggest marathon, which is on her bucket list. In July she competed at the Gold Coast Marathon and was 50 seconds over.

In preparation, she has been training four to five times a week on top of her job as a group running coach with Genetics Fitness Club, personal trainer and personal running coach.

She hopes the Lake Macquarie Running Festival will be the qualifier.

"I love this event, it is a beautiful place to run. On one side there are beautiful water views and on the other side people cheering you on," Mrs Barnes said.

"It is really well run, they [the organisers] do a great job."

In the crowd will be her husband, Craig, who would have competed in the fun run and their son, Jack, 10, who would have competed in the kids' scamper.

"We love this event and at least two of us run every year. Last year I was a spectator due to sickness and it nearly killed me.

"This year, all three of us will be part of it," she said.

■ Race registration is available online until August 29 and at The Esplanade, Warners Bay, on Saturday, August 29, 1pm to 5pm and Sunday, August 30, 6am to 7am. Go to lakemacrunning.com for more information.