The Stampede will once again be virtual. Participants can complete their designated distance from anywhere in the world.

While the official date of the Stampede is Sunday, August 29, it can be completed at any point from Friday, or even across all three days for those who have limited exercise time due to COVID-19 restrictions.

Dubbo Stampede Committee president Nathan Weeks said more than 1000 people were expected to take part in the virtual run.

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Of those, 600 will be taking part in the five kilometre Dingo Dash, the most popular event, the 10 km Cheetah Chase and the 21.1km Zebra Zoom.

Mr Weeks said there were participants from every state in Australia and while the majority were from NSW, only about 20 per cent of the total number who have signed up were from Dubbo.

"For those who are in isolation, have a curfew or limited time to exercise, there are still ways to take part. The virtual event can be completed on a treadmill, around your yard or house or by completing a little bit each day and adding up your distance," he said

"As long as your results are entered via the link on the website by the evening of Monday 30th, your distance will still count."

The Stampede president said the event encouraged people to have a goal and get moving during the lockdown.

"Exercise is good for physical fitness and mental wellbeing. There are many studies that support this," Mr Weeks said.

"COVID has been devastating to individuals across the country and the world, but maintaining your fitness and mental health in times like this is even more important."

One of the benefits of it being a virtual event is that the members of the committee will all be able to take part.

"If it was a live event the committee don't have the chance to participate as we are organising the day, setting up and making sure the event runs smoothly," Mr Weeks said.

"As it's a virtual event, all of the committee will be participating. Going for a run with our families around the river, through Beni forest or wherever our favourite local runs are."

He's also encouraging as many students as possible to take part.

The Macquarie Credit Union is providing prize money to the three schools with the most entries.

"Lots of these kids will have been in isolation and their schools closed down over the last few weeks. I would encourage as many as possible to sign up and support their schools in winning these prizes," Mr Weeks said.

"The Dubbo Virtual Stampede is a great way to support a local event, raise funds for a local cause and feel a sense of community by being virtually together."

Mr Weeks urged everyone to follow the health guidelines around exercise and social distancing for their area.

Register via the Dubbo Stampede website.

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