Dessaix-Chin has been a dominant figure in the annual event, taking out the past two five-kilometre runs and would have been hot favourite for the new 10km event, announced by organiser Rob Battocchio.

However, the 36-year-old collided with a car while riding a bicycle during training in Wollongong and was flown to a Sydney hopsital to undergo surgery.

Battocchio said he hopes Dessaix-Chin's involvement in the event will help motivate others to compete.

"It's great to have him still be a part of it," he said.

"He's still recovering, but he will be a starter for the race and hopefully his involvement will encourage others to enter."

Talented teenage swimmer Tom Montgomery will compete in the main swimming event, just a month after taking out the Bondi Bluewater Challenge, a 2.1km ocean swim.

Montgomery, a member of Wests Illawarra club which produced Dave and Emma McKeon under the watchful eye of coach and father Ron McKeon, is touted as a star of the future.

Experienced triathletes and members of the talented Wollongong Wizards elite training group will also compete.

The Splash and Dash Festival will be held on March 28 and 29, featuring a two-kilometre swim, 800m Wollongong Harbour swim and 350m swim for children.

On Sunday, the runners will hit the road, with the new 10km fun run, as well as a five-kilometre run and 2.5km children's event.

There will also be a two-leg aquathon, with a 650m swim and five-kilometre run, a 250m swim and 2.5km run or 150m and 1.5km run for children.

"We're really excited about the 10-kilometre run event this year," Battocchio said.

"It's a single-lap race along the beautiful coastline and there's not many events which can boast such a wonderful place to run.

"But it's certainly not just about the elite athletes, there's something for everyone there and it really is about community participation, including the stroller-friendly family events," he said.

To enter for an event, go to splashdash.com.au.