WHETHER you're running the full marathon or just walking with the kids on the fun run/walk, rehydration will be essential at this year's Wangaratta Marathon and Fun Run on Sunday, March 19.

One of the sponsors of this year's event is North East Water (NEW) who are providing 200 refillable water bottles and also a water station, a large mobile water bubbler designed for major events such as this.

It will not only provide entrants and spectators a ready source of cool, refreshing water totally free, but it also spreads the important message about just how valuable tap water is to the community and our environment.

Marni Jones, NEW general manager customers, community and culture, said there were many advantages of choosing tap water over bottled water including environmental, wellbeing and value benefits.

"By drinking tap water, it reduces the number of single use plastic bottles being used which means less plastic entering our rivers and oceans," Ms Jones said.

"Around 80 per cent of plastic bottles end up as landfill or litter, and each bottle takes around 450 years to break down.

"During this process it creates micro plastics, which make their way into our food and water supplies, harming our health and environment.

"By 2050, scientists predict there will be more plastic in the ocean than fish, which is quite alarming."

Ms Jones said choosing tap water helps keep our bodies healthy and it's the best source of hydration particularly in hot weather or when exercising.

"While tap water is PH neutral, some brands of bottled water have high acidity levels which can contribute to tooth decay," she said.

"Bottled water is also classified as a packaged food and is not subjected to the same stringent quality testing as tap water.

"Tap water costs less than one cent per litre compared to over $3 per litre for many bottled varieties, so for the same price you can refill a reusable drink bottle from the tap every day for over three years."

Ms Jones said NEW wanted to get the 'Choose Tap' message out to as many people as possible, which is one of the reasons they're again providing recycled, refillable drink bottles and their mobile bubbler unit to the 2023 Wangaratta Marathon.

"We believe tap water is the best alternative to bottled water, and we hope that everyone chooses tap during this year's big event," she said.

The Wangaratta Marathon and Fun Run is on Sunday, March 19 and to enter any of the event categories visit wangarattamarathon.com.au.