Jane Fardell is back from Europe and all set to compete in the Dubbo Stampede.
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One of the city’s most successful athletics exports, the World Championship runner is the ambassador of the event while it is also her name on the trophy for the prize given to the winner of the half-marathon in the under-20 female division.
The Stampede, set to take place at Taronga Western Plains Zoo next Sunday, has enjoyed a bumper number of registrations and Fardell said it has become an event Dubbo can be really proud of.
“It’s been done really well ever since it first started and it’s now such a quality event Robert de Castella is coming out this year,” she said, referring to the former Australian Olympic marathon runner.
“And he doesn’t come out for just any event so that’s a testament to the committee and it’s very pleasing to see.”
In terms of her own plans on race day, Fardell remains uncertain of which of the events she will participate in.
She has been a regular during the past four Stampedes, having competed in both the half and full marathon and they remain the options this time around.
“I’m still undecided and I get back to Dubbo on the Thursday and then depending on how the body feels I’ll do the half or the full marathon,” she said, back on Australian shores after competing on the European circuit.
“I’ve done the half marathon three times and the full once so maybe I need to do the full event.
“But I guess the benefit of being an athlete is I can keep everyone guessing and make a later decision than other people would be able to,” she laughed.
One of the main attractions of the Stampede is the unique zoo surroundings competitors run through.
There are five types of races at the Stampede – the 5.5km Dingo Dash, the 10km Cheetah Chase, the 21.1km Zebra Zoom half marathon and the 42.2km Rhino Ramble marathon.
“It’s really hard to find an event like it anywhere in the world,” Fardell said.
“And you get a real buzz when the zebras are running alongside you and that can really help if you’re running a marathon and struggling in the last 5km.
“It can be that bit of encouragement and spur you on.”
While keen to impress on the track, Fardell is also hopeful her presence can help inspire Dubbo’s youngsters to get out and be active.