For more than four decades the Jog has been a local institution and a fixture on our community calendar.

It signals the unofficial changing of the seasons from winter to spring, giving families a reason to emerge from their hibernation to start again enjoying our region's attractions.

But it does not just happen by chance.

For years now the Western Advocate has provided meeting space for the Edgell Jog committee to come together to plan the event.

It has given us a chance to see just a fraction of the time the committee members - small in number but high in commitment - put into the role.

But every year is a tough one as the time it takes to co-ordinate the event increases even as seemingly fewer participants turn out to face the starter's gun.

Last year, in perfect spring weather, a disappointing turnout of just 787 runners took part in the Jog, making it tough for the committee to just break even, even after Bathurst Regional Council increased its support from $6000 to $13,000 annually.

Those 787 runners were a far cry from the heyday of the Jog when double that number and more would tackle the course, raising thousands of dollars along the way to be distributed to local charities.

And so attention turns to Sunday's event.

Again organisers will be hoping for a big turnout but, again, it is up to the community to make it happen.

At its best, the Edgell Jog is a colourful family-friendly event that brings our whole community together.

And the good news is, it won't take much for it to be at its best again, simply the support of our city. The organising committee deserves no less.