Twelve men ran the 40 kilometres from Breeza back to town along the Pullaming stock route, to honour Cumbo Gunnerah - later known as Red Chief - and his men, who during the 1700s raced back from a hunt to fend off an invading tribe.

Winanga-Li manager Wayne Griffiths said there were a dozen "very sore fellas" the next day, and it had been a fantastic tribute to the historical event.

"It was a re-enactment of Red Chief's run over 300 years ago, when a group of warriors ran from Breeza to Gunnedah to protect the local tribe from the Cassilis tribe from the Mudgee region," he said.

Mr Griffiths said the Mudgee tribe was discovered by two Gunn-e-dar girls, who raised the alarm with their elders.

"Some of the ladies in the tribe lit a massive fire as a warning signal that there was trouble, hoping one of the groups of warriors [away hunting] would see the smoke," he said. "Red Chief and that did, ran all the way back to Gunnedah and set a trap for the Cassilis."

Mr Griffiths said the "pinnacle night" would be the awards ceremony on Thursday. A very important category - new this year - was for people caring for their grandchildren and even great-grandchildren, he added.

The programs also included a community fun day on Sunday, which Red Chief Local Aboriginal Land Council helper Tracy Wortley said attracted up to 250 people.