With eight men representing four different football codes, the race will put to rest, for a year at least, differing opinions on who really is the fastest footballer in the region.

And according to British Albury-Wodonga Steamers entrant Matt Cook, the race will say as much about each code as it will about the individual competitors.

“I would love to beat the soccer guys because over in England there is a big rivalry between soccer and rugby,” Cook said.

“Over here though I guess I want to beat the Aussie rules guys because there’s a rivalry between them and the rugby codes.

“I guess I’d be really happy if me or Albury Thunder (entrant Chris Seaton) won ... just to get one up for the rugby guys.”

Seaton though isn’t as keen on the idea of taking sides.

“I don’t know about teaming up because I’m not a big rugby union fan,” Seaton said.

“I’m just looking to get a win for the club.

“I only know (Cook) a little bit because I play touch football against him. I reckon I’ve got him covered.”

Whether Seaton’s confidence is well placed will become apparent just after 3.53pm on Sunday and according to Cook, Seaton could be the rugby codes’ best hope of taking the $500 winning prize.

“I literally just did my first training session on Tuesday,” Cook said.

“I’ve been doing cross fit but I haven’t been doing any sprinting. I just don’t want to come last.”

Cook said the fact he didn’t know anyone else in the race could work in his favour but he wasn’t as sure about his previous athletics experience.

“I’m not going to lie, I’ve never heard of any of (the other competitors) so there’ll be no mind games at all,” he said.