The Fed Hill Challenge could be anyone’s race on Sunday with last years winners remaining absent among the hundreds of entries that have rolled in before race day.
Subscribe now for unlimited access.
or signup to continue reading
Organisers are hopeful the rain will hold off until the run is over to give competitors their best shot at the 5km and 10km routes.
It is expected about 600 people will take to the track for the eighth Border Mail Fed Hill Challenge.
The event is organised by the Wodonga Athletics Club and a pre-race warm up will be conducted by Healthfocus Physiotherapy.
Club president Bill Pearce said there is every likelihood of “race records tumbling”.
“The good runners because don't like to show their hand until the last minute,” Mr Pearce said.
“Caellum Crowe who won the Commercial Club Classic is running in good form at the moment.
“Amily McQuilton who owns the ladies 5km record has also entered the 5km again.
“The course is as good as I've seen it, we went around it last week and it is lovely.
“It hasn't been washed out by the rain so we should see some good times.”
The oldest registered competitor is aged 84 and the youngest just 2 years old.
Mr Pearce said the diversity is a good indicator of just how much of a community event it is.
“It indicates the community doesn’t just see it as a run,” he said.
“We like to see the 10km as a challenge for prepared athletes, but we are trying to get people involved and engage them in physical activity.
“It's become a real community event, we've got teams entering and people dressing up so it should be a fun day.
“People can walk the whole way but be aware the roads re-open at 11am.”
A maximum temperature of 19 is forecast for Sunday with a 40 per cent chance of showers but unless there is torrential rain, the run will go on.
There will be nearly 50 volunteers out to help runners re-hydrate and stay on track.
Mr Pearce said entry fees will be donated to Latipsoh to support local hospitals with things normal funding doesn't provide.
“This is one of the cheaper fun runs in the area and we try to keep prices down so families can afford to enter.”
Online entries have closed, however entries can be made in person and bibs can be collected at the athletics complex on Pearce Street in Wodonga between 9.30am and noon on Saturday.
Anyone who can’t make it can collect their bibs before 9am at the start line at Willow Park.
Late entry for the 10km run is $30 for a senior and $20 for a junior whil the 5km run costs $20 and $15.
