Members of the Orange Runners Club followed Williamson across the line after a two-kilometre sprint to launch the new location of the Orange Running Festival.

From March 7-8 2020, the 2km, 5km, 10km, half marathon and full marathon events will all take place at the reserve.

The move from the Bloomfield hospital site a committee decision to reduce bureaucracy regarding approvals, as well as improving safety by increasing the width of the start line, moving away from the roadside and reducing trip hazards.

VIDEO: Orange Running Festival launch ...

Committee member Leanne Corcoran said Gosling Creek is an "iconic" location for outdoor sports.

"It's more open, there's more room and we've got the views of the mountain," she said.

"It's a bit more of a faster course too because we don't have those gravel roads."

Mrs Corcoran has taken part in nine Orange Running Festivals and completed an ultra-marathon - around 50kms - in the Blue Mountains this year.

She said she'll be lined up at one of the start lines at the festival in 2020, which distance was yet to be determined.

In addition to the club test driving the track, Westfund Health Insurance announced it would partner with the festival to provide $10,000 support over three years.

Regional Manager Nicole Buesnel said the event which was "all about getting outdoors and being healthy with your family" was a good fit for their business.

Club member Noel Annett said the first event at the Gosling Creek route would be his third Orange Running Festival.

Mr Annett moved to Orange 2.5 years ago to teach at Orange Anglican Grammar School.

He said the first thing he did was look for a running club to join.

"It's been a fantastic way to meet lots of people from all walks of life who I otherwise wouldn't get a chance to," he said.

Mr Annett had his sights set on the half marathon in 2020. His prior achievements include more than 50 marathons and a dozen 100km-plus events.

"The running itself is more mental when you get past the marathon distance," he said.

Assistant coordinator of the festival, Mitch Essex said they set these challenges "for the fun of it."

Running most days, Mr Essex clocks up about 80kms a week alongside other members of the club.

A habit he picked up during "a mid life crisis" he said.