June 8, 2020
The Wondai Country Running Festival is one of the few South Burnett events in 2020 that didn’t decide to “pull the plug” early during the COVID-19 pandemic.
Organisers crossed their fingers and waited and now their patience has been rewarded … the event will be going ahead (with just a few modifications) on the weekend of July 25-26.
Committee spokesperson – and keen runner – Ros Heit said there would be staggered starts for the events.
“We spoke to our timing guy. Because everyone will be wearing electronic bibs, we don’t need to start all at once,” she said.
Before the races, runners will also be kept in small groups in separate “pens” to ensure social distancing.
The schedule of events is similar to last year’s festival with a couple of minor changes.
On the Saturday, the CROW-FM Dash For Cash – a one kilometre fast run – will be held at 8:15am, followed by the South Burnett CTC All Abilities run (1km) at 8:45am and the 2km Family Fun Run at 9:00am.
At 2:30pm, the 11.1km PCA McEuen Forest Trail Run will be held.
On Sunday morning, the Ken Mills Automotive Marathon (42.2km), Bendigo Bank Half-Marathon (21.1km) and 10km PCA Rail Trail Run will get under way from 6:45am.
The Saturday events will coincide with the monthly Wondai Markets, and on Sunday, food and coffee stalls will be open to cater for spectators.
Ros said the starting point for Saturday’s McEuen Forest Trail Run had been tweaked.
Runners will now start on the South Burnett Rail Trail, turn left just before the first bridge, cross Mackenzie Street and then head straight into the McEuen Forest.
Competitors who choose to take part in this event on Saturday (11.1km) and Sunday’s 10km Rail Trail Run will cover a total half-marathon distance across the two days.
This is the third year the Wondai Country Running Festival has been held (or the fourth if you count a small “trial run” in 2017).
- External link: Runners can register online
