Bonnie Tratt has competed in a number of gruelling marathon and long distance events and while Sunday marks the first time she’s ever been able to compete in the Dubbo Stampede, she’s not out to break any records.
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She’s more focused on running alongside her Vixens and Kitts running group and enjoying the fact so many members of the local community are out being active.
“The thing about the times is it’s about challenging yourself,” she said.
“So people will pick to race or compete but also there’s some great runners around town who have improved their time through training and work and that’s great to see.”
Tratt is one of eight members of the Vixens and Kitts running group who is taking part in the 42.2km Rhino Ramble full marathon.
“My training hasn’t been great because I’ve been doing some events so this time I’m looking forward to running with the ladies and worrying about times,” she said.
“I’ll just be focused on finishing.”
The Vixens and Kitts club has become a real success story in Dubbo.
A host of members are taking part in Sunday’s Stampede and the bulk of those credit Tratt for helping them become so active and keen to take part.
“And it’s a very encouraging running group,” Tratt said.
“People post their times and messages on our Facebook page and have made friends.
“It’s about getting outside and we’ve got close to 50 entrants from the Vixens and Kitts taking part on Sunday.”
The Stampede comprises of four events, the 5.5km Dingo Dash, the 10km Cheetah Chase, the 21.1km Zebra Zoom and the 42.2km Rhino Ramble.
The event will commence at 7pm when the marathon runners take off on their 42.2km journey. The Dingo Dash will start at 7.30am while the Zebra Zoom will commence at 7.45am. The Cheetah Chase will be the final event to start, with the 10km participants taking off at 8.15am.
With it being so close now, Tratt alughed when saying there was mixed feelings among her group.
“They’re excited and they’re nervous but some are real fasties who are having a real crack at the 5km and some other have had training from Jane Fardell, she’s the Stampede patron and such a wonderful resource for the town.”
Tratt hailed the committee members as the “real endurance athletes” after seeing them stick it out and help make the event one of the region's premier running carnivals, while also urging people to get out and support the local runners and create a festival atmosphere.