The event had a record year with over 300 participants involved, said race director Michelle Frost.

The event will run again next year on April 28 using the same format.

Entries will open on July 1, 2018, and will close when full.

Renowned Australian long-distance runner Steve Moneghetti will come to Tasmania for next year’s event.

Event organiser Ian Cornelius said the race was named to commemorate the history of the convicts who “essentially became the founders of Australia”.

“Port Arthur is a stark reminder of harsh punishment but let’s remember that less than five per cent of convicts were ever sent there,” Mr Cornelius said.

“It is not truly representative at all of convict life in Tasmania.”

For more information about the event, visit www.convictsandwenchesmarathon.com.