For the first time, the iconic running festival will include the Wallaby Wheel – a 5.3 kilometre wheelchair race on the same course as the Dingo Dash – in partnership with Ability Links.

“We believe it’s the first inland wheelchair race,” Dubbo Stampede president Rod Campbell said.

“You’ve got guys like Kurt Fearnley out there doing some really cool stuff, and without any limits so if we can sort of build that locally and give people an opportunity to join … a really exciting, positive event, it’s only a good thing.”

Registrations are now open for the August 27 event, which will again include the 5.3 km Dingo Dash, 10km Cheetah Chase, 21.1km Zebra Zoom Half Marathon and 42.2 km Rhino Ramble Marathon events. Participants will compete for a share in $8500 in prize money, while every finisher will receive a medal.

This year’s Zebra Zoom will also form part of the NSW Regional Distance Running Championships alongside the Colour City, Mudgee and Carcoar Cup Running Festivals and the Bathurst Half-Marathon.

There will be almost $10,000 worth of prizes to be won across five age group divisions – men’s and women’s categories too.

All competitors will be awarded a championship point, with first through ninth receiving bonus points at each of the races. The eventual champions will be crowned at Carcoar, the last event of the championship.

Event ambassador Jane Fardell said new additions kept the Dubbo Stampede “exciting and fresh”.

“It’s a community inclusion event so we’re not just trying to just have an elite sort of race,” Fardell said.

“Everyone and anyone can get involved in this and around the zoo – what better location?

“If we can get the word out there and get some top guys to come out it will make it even better.”

She said the Stampede has become known worldwide.

“Wherever I travel, whether it’s in Australia or overseas, the Stampede is known as such a destination race,” Fardell said.

“A lot of people can run a marathon but you come to the Dubbo Stampede because of the zoo, because this race is so uniquely different.”

Register at www.dubbostampede.com.au.