The Dubbo Stampede's 10th anniversary will be virtual this year to help keep its participants safe.
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On Thursday, the committee made the decision to hold the event virtually on Thursday.
It will still be held on August 28, however, participants will be able to complete their races from anywhere across Australia, or the world.
The 5.3 kilometre dingo dash, 5.3km wallaby wheel, 10km cheetah chase, zebra zoom half marathon and rhino ramble marathon are all open for entry.
Dubbo Stampede committee president Nathan Weekes said it had not been an easy decision to make.
"It was decided the risk to participants, volunteers and the committee, Taronga Western Plains Zoo and our community is too high to proceed with a live event," Mr Weekes said.
The decision was made due to the evolving COVID-19 situation. The committee said they want to make it virtual now to avoid a last minute cancellation.
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Postponing the event was also ruled out when the future is unknown.
"As a whole the committee is disappointed to be unable to celebrate the 10th anniversary of the Dubbo Stampede as a live event, but we hope people will still support the virtual event," Mr Weekes said.
Participants who have already registered for the Stampede will have their entry rolled over for the virtual event and the difference in the cost refunded. New entries will also be accepted.
Mr Weekes said the safety of all those involved was paramount and the committee hoped the Dubbo Stampede would be back fro a live event in 2022.
"On behalf of the whole committee, we would like to thank the running community and local community for their continued support of the event," the committee president said.
Taronga Western Plains Zoo director Steven Hinks said after the months of planning that went into the Stampede, he knew how difficult it was to make the decision to go virtual.
However, Mr Hinks said he supported the Stampede committee in their decision.
Registration for the virtual 2021 Dubbo Stampede can be done via the website.
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