Due to COVID-19, the event was held virtually, allowing participants to walk, run or take on the Stampede however they liked from any location in the world.

For Sally Turner, the Stampede was her first half marathon.

"Two years ago I did the five kilometre, the year after that I did the 10 kilometre and then I did the half marathon this year," Ms Turner said.

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She stuck as close as possible to the previous Stampede route for the Zebra Zoom, including running the last leg around Taronga Western Plains Zoo.

Her goal was to finish the 21 kilometres in three hours, and Ms Turner smashed her target, crossing the 'finish line' in two hours and 46 minutes.

"I felt really pleased with myself. I was really happy I achieved it. It was a bit disappointing no one was at the finish line but I'm happy I achieved it," the runner said.

Dubbo Stampede committee president Andrew McKay said the event was far more popular than they had anticipated.

"We had 900 medals and we had to put the sold out sign up on Thursday," Mr McKay said.

"We thought we would have maybe 500 at a stretch and then when it got to the 900 mark, it was brilliant."

It was not only Dubbo residents who took part in the event. As well as having participants in every state and territory in Australia, there were also four from Romania, three from the United States of America, two from Singapore, one from Sweden and one person from the United Kingdom.

Tracie O'Brien and Trudy Randell competed from Melbourne.

While they had been training together and planned to partner up for the half marathon, Stage Four lockdown put an end to their plans.

But the runners still went all out for the Stampede, even making their own pants with 'Run wild. Dubbo Virtual 2020' down the leg.

It took three days for Ms O'Brien and Ms Randell to complete their 21 kilometres during their one hour of permitted exercise.

Ms O'Brien said the windy but fair weather allowed for some "speedy times".

Ms Turner said she had been building up her running for a few years. When her personal trainer stopped to have her second baby, she found a running partner to keep her motivated.

Now, the athlete runs most days of the week.

"I'm a full-time carer for my mum and she's 90-years-old. It gives me some time to myself and it's a way to let some hot air out," Ms Turner said.

The responses from everyone who took part were "heartwarming", Mr McKay said.

The committee had first thought the event would have to be cancelled, but Mr McKay said going virtual had been worthwhile thanks to all of the messages of support.

He said it had also been great to see people across Dubbo in their limited edition 2020 virtual Dubbo Stampede t-shirts as they competed at the weekend.

Mr McKay was also impressed by the creativity of people who found different ways to reach their distance.

His own 10 kilometres took longer than expected as he spoke to people also taking part throughout the Southlakes Estate.

The new style of event also strengthened the Stampede committee.

"Usually there's the logistics team, sponsorship team and they go and do their bit, but in this one, everyone had to work together to work out how we do it. It was great seeing the committee work so well together and come up with some ideas," Mr McKay said.

"Hopefully it was a one off but if we have to do it again in the future we're well prepared."

While there was no prize money this year because the event was virtual, every participant who took part in the Dubbo Stampede will receive a medal.