While all of NSW is in a COVID-19 enforced lockdown, it did not stop the Dubbo Stampede from running a virtual event to celebrate a milestone.
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While the Stampede's 10th Anniversary was forced to go online at the last minute, entrants still participated from all over the world.
Stampede committee chairperson Nathan Weeks said the majority of entries were from NSW but some came from as far away as America.
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"We would have loved to have a huge crowd and record numbers for our 10th Anniversary running through the zoo," he said.
"But with the change to a virtual event and the current situation with COVID that wasn't possible.
"We had 1055 entries which is a fantastic result for a virtual event. 2 from Hong Kong, 2 from Singapore, 1 from the US, 912 from NSW, 46 from QLD, 43 VIC, 30 from the ACT, 8 from WA, 7 from TAS, 3 from SA and 1 from the NT."
Mr Weeks believes the range of entrants and large list of locations they are from shows the impact the event has.
"We can't wait till next year when all these participants can come to Dubbo," he said.
"Participants this year, ran, walked or wheeled over 10,500kms.
"Our oldest participant was 80 and our youngest was one."
Mr Weeks was pleased with the number of entries considering the restrictions currently in affect across NSW.
"We are so proud of everyone getting involved," he said.
"The Stampede is about participation and being active.
"To see over 1000 people sign up and participate is great.
"So many people sent in photos of them participating as families, kids with their toy animals running as if they were at the zoo."
As is the case with every Stampede in the past, a lot of effort goes into organising the event but Mr Weeks believes it is more than worth it after seeing some of the results.
"To see everyone smiling and getting out for their runs was very rewarding for every member of the committee," he said.
"Seeing people like Jack Cosier participating and achieving his goal of 5.3ks in the Wallaby Wheel."
Mr Weeks is hopeful next year's event will be able to take place in person with planning already underway.
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